Bluff police festive season crime campaign kicks off
Police prepare for busy season.
BLUFF police have kicked off their festive season anti-crime planning, with a communication campaign aimed at empowering shoppers in malls.
As the festive season approaches, an increase of criminal activities is expected.
Criminals migrate to holiday destinations, with large beaches and shopping malls being specific attractions.
On 1 October, Operation Duty Calls, which covers festive season 2015/2016 strategies, was implemented.
Operations will be executed in the following phases: Phase 1 pre-holiday season 1 October to 30 November; phase two start of holiday season 1 to 15 December; phase three holiday season 16 December to 2 January 2016; phase 4 end of holiday season 3 to 16 January; phase 5 post holiday season 17 to 31 January.
Brighton Beach police adopted a pro-active stance in addressing the expected spike in criminal activities by informing communities on how to minimise the risk of crime, how to protect themselves, their loved ones and their property.
The station’s media monitoring division held its official festive season communication initiatives launch on Friday, 16 October at Hillside Mall Bluff and Bluff Towers Mall, by conducting foot patrols, interacting with shoppers and distributing 1,000 shopping mall safety guides.
The newly designed shopping mall safety guide developed by Capt Louise Le Roux contained safety guidelines on the prevention of general theft; theft by snatching and pocket picking; safety at the ATM/banking hall; prevention of hijacking at shopping malls, safety in parking lots and children’s safety at shopping malls.
General safety guideline to take note of when shopping:
? Mall safety is about always being alert, and vigilant of your surroundings.
? Know where the nearest exits or emergency gathering points are in case of an emergency.
? Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. Any time of the year, con-artists may try various methods to distract you.
? If possible, avoid shopping at popular stores near close of business times. With the influx of shoppers at these times comes the influx of criminals. Plan shopping times accordingly. It is recommended that women do not go shopping alone at night, even to the corner cafe.
? If you intend to be a shopper at a large sale, or participate at a promotional event at a mall, rather take a debit card along than cash. Conceal your mobile device within the chest area of your clothing. Avoid carrying a handbag at these sales; chances are you will be pick-pocketed.
? Take a material shopping bag which is big enough to carry smaller parcels inside. When carrying various loose bags, your hands appear full, making it difficult to fight off an attack.
? Extreme heat and the rain does not deter criminal activities.
Brighton Beach SAPS management thanks Hillside Mall Bluff and Bluff Towers management and tenants for affording them the platform to launch the festive season communications initiative. Captain Louise Le Roux, and Reservist Carmen Jenkins are also thanked for their roles on the launch day.
