Cloetesville police, whose service area includes Idas Valley and Welgevonden, have shared safety tips with locals as the festive season is on the doorstep.

The local police station has a festive season awareness campaign underway and asks community members to get involved.

“For community policing to be successful it is important for members of the community to realise and accept they also have a social and moral obligation to assist and support the police in the fight against crime and other forms of social disorder,” said Cloetesville police station commander Lieutenant-Colonel Monique Fortuin.

To ensure safety this holidays, Cloetesville police shared some tips.

Robbery aggravated

This crime features any form of weapon

Avoid stopping in remote areas. E-hailing drivers are urged to be alert when approaching customers for the pick-up and/or drop-off.

Do not resist during a robbery, especially if the thief has a weapon.

A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime, the police said. Do not give strangers a lift when travelling alone.

Commuters on their way to work or back home or from entertainment venues are urged to avoid short cuts.

If in doubt about the safety of an area contact the nearest police station for advice.

Do not hesitate to liaise with coordinated partnership armed response to assist, as they are also the police’s eyes and ears.

Theft out of motor vehicle

Always lock your vehicles doors and keep windows closed when you make use of parking area facilities when doing your shopping.

Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, not even if you think you will only be away for a minute.

When a vehicle is parked in the street or in front at the kerb, ensure that the area is well-lit.

Limit trips at night, or take someone along with you.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle when parked.

If approached by strangers while in your car, drive off or press the hooter to attract attention, if possible.

Do not leave valuable items in the glove compartment or anywhere in the vehicle when parked.

Valuable items such as laptops, cellphones and cameras should be placed in the boot before departure.

Remove detachable radio faces when getting out of the car in public places.

burglaries

The primary aim is to have burglar proofing covering all windows and doors to prevent easy access to premises whether present or not at home.

Make sure security gates have sturdy locks.

Acquire an affordable alarm system to warn occupants of any intrusions in the house.

Security lights on the outside can improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.

When you leave your residence, especially over the festive season, inform your neighbours or family of your intended destination.

Do not be visible from the bedroom from the outside when asleep.

Clear areas such as bushes that obstruct the entrance of your house, gates or hiding places, so they can be visible to police when patrols are done.

fraud-cyber crime

Suspects may especially target innocent and vulnerable people. Make sure to strengthen password security and use secure connections when shopping online.

Everyone should be wary of phishing scams and make regular updates to software and devices. Be sure to limit the personal information sharing on social media.

Be sure to regularly monitor financial and online activity.

Report any information on wanted suspects and illegal firearms to your local police station.

The police urges members of the public to report incidents of crime to the authorities instead of posting the incidents to social media.

IMPORTANT CONTACT NUMBERS

Police members can be contacted to report any incident should you wish not to report it at the station on 021 888 5940/41.

. Station commander: 082 411 2911;

. Vispol commander: 082 443 6892;

. Communications officer: 082 411 2915;

. Liquor officer – 079 894 0110;

. Crime analyst – 082 522 3216