Station Commander of the Parkview Police Station, Colonel Theledi Gopane thanked all residents within the Parkview policing precinct, Community Policing Forum (CPF), security companies and other stakeholders for their contribution to making the precinct a safer place.
Gopane said the police would conduct disruptive operations and awareness campaigns as the festive season nears.
He urged everyone in the precinct to get involved in crime-fighting initiatives including involvement with the CPF.
Gopane shared the following holiday safety tips with residents ahead of the festive season:
- Make sure that you do not leave your house unattended by asking a neighbour or relative to watch over your property
- Stop all deliveries of daily or weekly newspapers or get a neighbour to clear your mail box
- Give thought to whom you should leave your contact details while you are away
- Ensure that all doors and windows are properly closed when leaving the house and at night when going to sleep
- Ensure that all panic buttons are in working order and activated during emergencies for quick reaction
- Be on the look out for suspicious persons and vehicles
- Do not open gates and doors for strangers
- Verify details before you employ people and check the authenticity of a contractor before you allow them on your premises
- While driving, keep checking your rear view mirror. If you sense you are being followed, circle the block. If your follower persists, drive to the nearest police station or phone for help
- Keep doors and windows closed at intersections. Do not open windows to beggars
- Keep cell phones, valuables, handbags, laptops, briefcases out of sight at all times
- When approaching home, make sure there are no suspicious loiterers or vehicles near your gate. If there are, drive past and circle the block until you are satisfied that it’s safe to open your gates, or contact the police. Once inside, close your gates immediately.
Gopane said excessive consumption of alcohol was a major cause of contact crimes such as common assault, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, rape, robbery and murder.
He advised the following:
- Do not carry a lot of money when going to drinking places
- Do not carry weapons when you attend a social gathering
- Do not share a drink with someone you do not know
- Avoid confrontation when under the influence of alcohol
- Do not leave your drink unattended.
He also advised the following safety tips for victims:
- Comply, remain calm and do not argue with crime perpetrators
- Do not make sudden gestures
- Avoid eye contact but try to remember what the perpetrator looks like by identifying and remembering special features
- Try get away from the area as quickly as possible
- Do not be a hero. Your life is worth more than anything.
Details: 011 067 6000.
