WORKING TOWARD A SAFER FESTIVE SEASON FOR ALL
14 December 2018

The National Commissioner of Police, General Khehla John Sitole wants to remind all in South Africa to continue being considerate, responsible and vigilant to ensure their personal safety as well as the safety of others.

On 1 November this year, the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, together with police management officially launched the Safer Festive Season Operations with the theme being the "Quiet Storm" and #SaferFridays. It is common knowledge that the Christmas holiday period is traditionally a time for relaxation and festivities but unfortunately is also a period when complacency seems to set in and criminals become opportunistic.

This is also a period when there is a greater tendency of abuse of alcohol and drugs, ultimately resulting in the abuse of women, children and other vulnerable groups, aggravated robberies, assaults and an increase in carnage on our roads.

Now that the Festive Season Operations are in full swing, joint law enforcement agencies have been mobilized and resources prioritised with a focus on high police visibility and planned operations across the country. The South African Police Service has, together with other security and government agencies committed to ensuring a safer festive season to ensure that people are and feel safe.

We are focussing primarily on Aggravated Robberies, Crimes Against Women, Children and People with Disabilities, Proliferation of Arms and Ammunition, Border Security, liquor outlets and Road Safety Enforcement.

While, as the security forces, we remain committed to our Constitutional mandate of ensuring that people are safe and secure, we are earnestly appealing to society to consider the following safety tips which will assist tremendously in the safety of all :

General awareness:

· Be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious looking persons/behavior;

· Report any suspicious behavior/activity around your surroundings to your nearest police station;

· Don’t drink and walk on public roads

SAPS HOTLINES 10111 (EMERGENCY) 08600 10111 (CRIME TIP-OFFS):

· Prank or nuisance calls are generally at an increase during the holiday period. This places a huge burden on police resources which can be better utilised for legitimate cases.

· Be clear and concise when providing details of your complaint to ensure prompt attendance

· Make sure that you receive a police reference number for your complaint for future use

· Do not use abusive language when calling the police emergency number

Vehicles

· Be in possession of a valid driver’s licence

· Road safety is everybody’s business, please buckle up and do not drink under the influence of alcohol or any dependency producing substances

· Always ensure compliance with road safety speed limits

· Do not leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle

· Be alert. Should you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station;

· Avoid driving alone, especially at night

· Jamming devices are frequently used by criminals, so ensure that your vehicle is locked- by physically checking it before leaving when parking;

· Always ensure that you inform family and friends of your whereabouts

· Keep all vehicle doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.

· Always park in a well-lit area

· Never leave your vehicle unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.

· Do not leave valuables on the seat of your car. This creates temptation for thieves. Always put your valuable items in the boot of your vehicle.

· When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings.

· Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in your surroundings.

· When driving long distance, ensure that you check your vehicle at your nearest car dealership before your trip

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

Always use an ATM that is in a well-lit area and not secluded. Preferably use an ATM inside a shopping mall/complex or filling station Do not allow anyone to assist you while using an ATMProtect your PIN and do not share it with anyone

Shopping

· Stay alert to your surroundings.

· Shop during the day whenever possible. If you must shop at night, make sure you are accompanied by a friend or family member.

· Avoid carrying large amounts of money.

· Be mindful and extra careful when carrying your handbag or wallet

· Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason.

Children

If possible, leave small children at home with a responsible adult. Teach children to stay close to you at all times while out at public places Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom at public places Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car. Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or any adult.

At Home

Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes. Do not leave children unattended. When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house. Do not open the gate for strangers Be aware that criminals pose as municipal workers.

Remember to be extra cautious and vigilant and to share these safety tips with family and friends!

The South African Police Service wishes the people in South Africa, a safe, secure and responsible holiday season