EASTERN CAPE NEWS - The Festive Season is upon us, and police are once again reminding communities and tourists to be vigilant to criminals and their activities during this time of the year. Col. Priscilla Naidu, spokesperson for the Eastern Cape police, says that the Festive Season is synonymous to the increase in certain categories of crime, and this should serve as a reminder and warning that everyone needs to be wary and avoid becoming a statistic.

She says that during this time, police visibility has been bolstered in hotspot areas to ensure a safety of citizens and tourists alike. However, police are appealing to everyone to also play their part in ensuring their own safety as well.

Police will be concentrating on six focus areas:

• The campaign and actions on the prevention of Gender Base Violence and Femicide.
• Combatting aggravated robberies which include carjacking, business robberies as well as residential robberies.
• Enhancing border security to prevent stolen property from crossing our borders (combatting drugs and tracing of wanted suspects).
• The enhancement of legislation in respect of firearms, liquor, and secondhand goods.
• The enforcement of by-laws targeting hijacked buildings and the unlawful use of fireworks.
• The enhancement of road safety (with traffic authorities) including the combatting of drunken driving, speeding, and checking for roadworthiness of vehicles.

The following safety hints are provided, and communities and motorists are urged to take heed:

Business Robberies:

Criminals take cognizance of the fact that businesses are flourishing at this time of the year when employees in some working sectors receive their annual bonuses.  Patrons then normally flock to shopping malls where a substantial amount of money is spent.

• Criminals know that businesses will have more money on their premises than usual which will create the perfect opportunity to rob the business. Central Business Development areas are usually the most high-risk areas prone to business robberies.
• Business owners need to be on high alert during this time and ensure that sufficient measures are being put in place to protect their business as well as employees.
• Business owners should refrain from keeping large amounts of cash on their premises and alternate banking times. Banking information should be confidential.
• Find alternative security measures to safeguard their business premises i.e., burglar gates, CCTV cameras, security guard etc.

Theft from out of moving vehicle:

There are many reasons why victims fall prey to criminals:

• Leaving your car unlocked, keys in the ignition, or a window too far down is only going to tempt perpetrators more.
• Parking vehicles overnight outside the yard on the pavement because of a lack of parking space or plain negligence, thus making it a much more alluring and an easy target for the prospective criminals.
• Leaving valuables in plain sight is a for sure carrot in front of a smash-and-grabber since they are only interested in what can be easily stolen.
• No security or alarm system installed / in place.

Car and truck hijackings:

• Always be aware of your surroundings and look out for anything that seems suspicious.
• E-hailing (is a service provided to book public transport services through electronic applications) services to be extra vigilant especially when picking up passengers at night. Carry minimum cash.
• Truck drivers to be alert and always take note of suspicious vehicles following. Companies should consider installing tracker systems on the trucks so that movement can be monitored.

Robbery:

• Remain alert and observe people around you.
• Walk in well-lit areas and in groups if possible.
• Do not carry large amounts of money or displaying expensive jewelry in public.
• Keep mobile phones and valuables out of sight.
• At ATM’s, stand close to the machine to prevent anyone from seeing your Pin-code. Do not accept any help from anyone while at the ATM. Never engage with strangers and believe anything they say to you while you are busy transacting. If suspicious, cancel your transaction and walk away.
• Do not walk and/or jog with your cell phone in your hand or exposed.

Fraud:

• Be on your guard when purchasing goods via the internet. Make sure that you are on a reputable site. During this time of the year internet fraud increases as many people buy Christmas gifts online.

Housebreakings:

• If going away, ensure that your property is safe by installing an alarm system and that the property is brightly lit.
• Notify your neighbours and the police when going away so that they can look out for any strange activity around your house. Police will also make regular visits to your house while on patrols.
• Businesses and schools to ensure that valuable items are securely locked away. Schools and businesses only realise that their premises are broken into upon their return. Residents living next to schools should also take note of suspicious activity or persons on the property and to immediately report it.

Drownings:

• Parents/guardians must be wide eyed when their children are in the swimming pools or playing in the surf in the sea. During this time of the year, there is an increase in drownings as the summer heat attracts thousands of people to the beaches and public pools.
• A child must never be left alone or with other children in a pool. There must always be adult supervision.
• Non swimmers should not go into deep waters if anything not into the water at all.
• Intoxicated people should never get into a swimming pool or the sea to swim.
• Always swim where there are lifeguards on the beach.
• Parents to inform their children to stay away from swimming in dams or rivers without adult supervision.

Naidu says that the SAPS Mounted Unit will be on patrols on certain beaches to make sure that people behave while enjoying themselves on the beach. The South African Police Service is committed in ensuring that all people within the Eastern Cape Province are and feel safe. “However, this can only be achieved if individuals and communities cooperate with the police and law enforcement by adhering to these awareness tips which will inevitably result in a safer and crime free festive season,” she says.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’