SAPS intensifies festive safety campaign

As Christmas holiday's approach the police says it continues to strengthen actions to prevent crime in accordance with Operation Back to Basics: Safer Festive Season.

North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, says they will be deploying police to different places to ensure the safety and security of all inhabitants of the Republic and their properties. 

"This is the period that is commonly characterised by an upward trend of crime. Although the police will be intensifying the work done through the year intended to engender a sense of awareness, public/ private partnership and a holistic approach to crime combatting through various proactive and reactive actions, it is important that the community works together with them to discourage violent incidents that still form part of crime that leads to commission of assaults, robberies, murders and sexual offences," Mokgwabone said.

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Mokgwabone asks members of the community to apply the following tips to ensure their safety:

- Know all emergency numbers. 

- Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember, outside lights that are on during the day draw the attention of thieves.

- Always check the identity of strangers who visit for business purposes to do deliveries or repairs. 

- If you know that you will be away for a long period, do not leave your house unattended, rather leave another person to take care of it or report your absence to the police so that they can make turns at your place during patrols.  

Mokgwabone added that should people be on the road to not drink and drive and to respect the rules of the road.

"To avoid hijackings, know your destination and the directions and be alert if you get lost and never leave keys in the ignition when leaving the car to open the gate," he said

Motorists are also warned to "exercise caution, be alert and avoid at all costs to give lifts to hitch-hikers as some of these people victimise the same motorists who offer them lifts by robbing them and vice versa."