HEIDELBERG – As the festive season approaches, Heidelberg is gearing up to ensure the safety of shoppers at its busy shopping complexes.

Recognizing the need for heightened vigilance during this time, the Heidelberg police, in collaboration with Siyabangena patrollers, CPU members, the social crime coordinator, and the VFR coordinator, launched a social crime prevention awareness campaign on Friday, November 10.

Constable Doris Nkosi, the police spokesperson, highlighted the focus areas of the campaign, which include addressing issues such as fraud, shoplifting, online shopping safety, and hitchhiking.

Nkosi emphasized the significance of raising awareness about these crimes, as they tend to surge during the festive season.

“The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the above-mentioned crimes that significantly contribute to the cases opened during this time of the year. We want to alert people to stay safe while shopping online, urging them to verify the legitimacy of websites beforehand. Additionally, we encourage individuals to promptly contact their banks if they encounter any issues with their accounts or if they need assistance in understanding the activities in their accounts,” said Constable Nkosi.

Nkosi further stressed the importance of caution while driving, advising shoppers not to offer lifts to hitchhikers who may pose potential risks to the driver’s safety.

Heidelberg station commander, Colonel Phiwe Ndwandwe, took the opportunity to caution the public about specific vehicles believed to be involved in car hijackings.

These vehicles are known to use blue lights fitted on their dashboards to stop motorists.

“If motorists are stopped by a vehicle fitted with blue lights, put on your hazard lights and proceed to the nearest police station. Always be vigilant of vehicles such as a white Polo, black BMW, white Ford Ranger, white Amarok, and a white Nissan,” Ndwandwe advised.