With the holiday season in full swing, more boots will be on the ground in the Province to ensure increased police visibility. It is also imperative that the community robustly participate in the fight against crime by saying something when they see something. The public is further advised to be proactive and apply the following safety hints to ensure general safety while at home, travelling, shopping or using Automated Teller Machines (ATMs):
Advice to keep your home safe in your absence:
Don’t let too many people know when you are going on holiday, only those whom you trust.
Make sure your doors lock properly and that you have burglar bars.
If your house is broken into, notify the police immediately.
If you are going on a road trip:
Buckle up.
Don’t drink and drive.
Keep a safe following distance.
Do not use up your energy on activities, which will increase your fatigue.
Plan your trip, the route you will travel and where you will stop and rest overnight.
Make sure your luggage is in the boot and that is closed properly.
Stop every two hours, taking 15 minute breaks.
If you feel tired or restless, pull over at a safe stop and rest for a little while.
If you are travelling at night:
Be on the lookout for suspicious-looking people or vehicles.
Know where you are going, do not use unfamiliar routes to get home.
If you are bumped from behind and fell unsafe or suspicious, head to the nearest police station or place of safety.
Never leave keys in your ignition to open gates.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Don’t get out to assist someone who seems to be in trouble. Inform the police.
To ensure your safety while shopping and using ATMs:
Avoid carrying large amounts of money.
Don’t leave valuable belongings in the trolley.
Don’t have your wallet or purse visible. Keep your wallet in a front pocket and not the back pocket.
Don’t let money be too visible, especially large amounts.
Hold your child’s hand and be alert of them at all times. Always accompany them to the bathroom
If you are part of a stokvel society or group, do not withdraw all the money in order to distribute it, rather pay it into the different bank accounts of the participants through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Avoid using remote ATMs late at night.
Do not accept assistance from strangers.
Always protect your Personal Identification Numbers.
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