Beachgoers warned to follow the rules

Summer holidays are all about sea, sun and sand, but these need to be enjoyed responsibly.

Police have issued a stern warning to beachgoers to abide by the beach laws this festive season – or face the consequences. In order to keep noise levels under control, anyone caught playing loud music from their vehicle will be warned once and, if caught again, charged.

Station Commander Colonel Ralph Ruiters said keys would be removed from offenders’ vehicles and would only be returned once the driver had indicated they were willing to comply, or leave the beach.

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One of the other major concerns is public drinking. Alcohol found on the beach will be confiscated, and the owners could be charged.

Fines for start at R500 and second warnings could result in fines of R1 000 or more.

The crime rate for November was described by Saps as ‘stable and peaceful’ and showed a ‘massive drop’ when compared to the same period last year.

However, crimes which increased included common robbery, rape, shoplifting and fraud, while crimes which decreased included residential burglary, business burglary and stock theft. Theft and arson figures remained constant.

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Scottburgh Saps members stated that they have focused mainly on residential burglary and theft in and out of motor vehicles since November as these were on the increase. Most drug arrests thus far have been related to heroin, dagga and crystal meth.

December has seen a spike in fraud cases, in particular people falling victim to online scams. There have also been a number of burglaries in the Scottburgh and Park Rynie areas as stated at the final Scottburgh Saps Community Policing Forum meeting, held last Wednesday.

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