Police issue tips to help keep you and your family safe

Port Shepstone police have cautioned the public to be vigilant for their safety and that of their loved ones, as well as safeguarding their personal property.

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Police have also cautioned the public to be aware of their surroundings when withdrawing funds from ATMs.

Safety tips

Do not accept assistance from anyone other than a bank employee or their security personnel. Criminals will distract you and, in the process, either observe your PIN code or alternatively swap your card. Make sure you have your own card after every transaction at an ATM or when shopping and paying by card. If possible, do not carry large amounts of cash.

“Purchasing vehicles, pets and other items off the internet has left many people empty-handed. A pet is advertised, funds are requested to be deposited into a bank account and the pet is never delivered. The contact number listed no longer works and the bank account has been closed. The public is also advised to purchase vehicles from registered vehicle dealers if possible, or to verify the authenticity of the deal before parting with their hard-earned money,” said police spokesman, Captain Petros Mpinge.

He added that cattle farmers should brand their cattle. “The lack of accurate descriptions of the animal or branding makes it difficult to identify the animals once they have been recovered and need to be returned to the rightful owner,” said Capt Mpinge.

A small business which is cash based and needs to deposit money on a regular basis at the bank should apply the following tips, which will minimise the chances of becoming a victim of a robbery.

* Vary the days and times on which you deposit cash and never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.

* Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue and avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book.

* It’s advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognisable or detected.

* If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company.

* Refrain from driving to the bank in your company branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’.

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* Consider arranging for electronic transfers of wages to your contract or casual labourers’ personal bank accounts

Travelling

When travelling, make sure all doors are locked. Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers. Do not leave valuables in parked vehicles. Criminals know that drivers often hide items under the seat. Ensure that vehicle doors are locked and windows closed before walking off as car thieves use remote jamming devices to steal the vehicle or valuable property inside.

On the street, do not make a display of expensive jewellery, cellphones or other valuables. Using your cellphone when you are walking drastically increase the chances of being attacked and robbed.

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