Top tips to stay safe this festive season

WITH safety an ongoing concern during the festive season, SAPS in Ilembe District have compiled safety tips to help residents fight crime.

While many people will be travelling to make memories with loved ones during the holidays, criminals are always looking for an easy target.

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When travelling, ensure that:
•     Your vehicle is in good working condition and the spare wheel is inflated
•     Do not drink or text and drive
•     Carefully plan your route before leaving and ensure you have enough time to rest between trips
•     While it is the season to be thoughtful, never give lifts to strangers or hitchhikers
•     Never display your valuables; always keep them hidden or locked in the boot
•     If you go to an isolated place, leave your details with a trustworthy person who can call for help if you do not return at the designated time
•     Park your car where it is safe and where there is enough light
•     Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room or hotel
•     Store your valuable items (especially firearms) in a safe and keep it locked at all times
•     Do not be too trusting to allow strangers into your space/room

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Note the following when going shopping:
•     Never leave your children unattended, with strangers or allow them to wander off
•     It is never a good idea to display your jewellery, cameras, cellphones or any other valuables
•     Do not carry large amounts of cash; it is advisable to use your bank card with set limits
•     Always have your handbag on your person and take it everywhere you go
•     While on holiday, if you want to make use of a taxi service, your hotel or nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable company
•     Never participate in games of chance in the streets as this often leads to robbery. Ignore the players and leave the area immediately
•     In the event of a crime, report all your stolen property to the police immediately
•     Before exploring, ask the hotel or read up on which areas are safe for tourists to explore
•     If you carry a firearm, it must be secured in the holster or similar holder and it must be completely covered. You must have full control over your firearm at all times

Additionally, when going away for the holidays, ensure all the doors and windows on your house are locked. For extra safety you can inform your nearest police station, for regular patrols to be conducted around your area in your absence.

Ilembe SAPS also advises to inform a reliable neighbour of your absence, who can contact you immediately if there is any suspicious activity at your home.

With social media becoming a digital diary, resist the temptation of posting that you are away for the holidays.
While criminals may be strangers, they can also be people you know, so leave the posting of your trip until you have returned home.

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