Parkview’s Crime Forums wishes the community a safe and joyous festive season

Parkview Sector 1 and 2 Crime Forums wish everyone in the precinct a safe and joyous festive season.

Chairperson of Parkview CPF Sector 1, Lee-Ann Louverdis and chairperson of Parkview CPF Sector 2, Geraldine Connell said, unfortunately, Christmas brings an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed, with its only too familiar side effects and challenges.

“In South Africa, there is often a sad assumption that drinking excessively is an essential element of festivity and celebration. The alcohol industry rolls out a campaign every year at this time, warning against drinking and driving, and of course, that combination is toxic and dangerous.”

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Alcohol lowers our inhibitions and makes some of us think that we can do a lot more than we can, with negative consequences for our health and well-being. Physical injuries increase dramatically.

“Vulnerability is dramatically increased with every drink, resulting in anything from unprotected or unplanned sexual activity and sexual assault to other opportunistic criminal and violent acts. Crime typically spikes during the festive season, adding pressure to policing and leaving police capacity stretched.”

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Many people go away for summer holidays at this time and Parkview’s Crime Forums urge community members to communicate with each other about their whereabouts and who, if anyone, can be on the property while they are away, and who to contact if in doubt about what happens there.

“There are also people left alone during this period, and loneliness can feel much worse when everyone is having a festive time.

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