Police ready for the festive season
HONEYDEW - Police increase visibility and raise safety awareness for shoppers at mall.
As part of preparing for the festive season, Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs explained that they will increase their visibility at shopping centres and malls. “We will have regular patrols at all centres around the Honeydew precinct.”
WO Jacobs mentioned that it was common for criminals to target shoppers during the festive season, which is why they will regularly visit shopping centres.
With these patrols, WO Jacobs said they wanted to notify community members on safety issues that she believes will help them to have a pleasant shopping experience every time they go shopping.
The police recently went to Clearwater Mall, Northgate Shopping Centre and Randridge Mall. They handed out pamphlets with safety tips. The police’s presence was well received by some shoppers. Lesego Motshwene is one shopper who was pleased to have the police while she was doing her shopping at Northgate Mall. “With all the robberies that took place at malls recently, it’s great to have the police here because criminals will not take a chance.”
WO Jacobs shared safety tips with residents and said they should utilise them every time when they go shopping:
- Never leave your bag or wallet unattended in your trolley or on a shop counter.
- Beware of pickpockets and never keep your wallet in your back pocket.
- Carry your handbags around your neck and diagonally across your body.
- Hide your cellphone and do not walk around talking on a cellphone.
- Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pant’s pocket.
- Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
- Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
- Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert of your surroundings.
- Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, pay for purchases with a cheque or credit card when possible.
- Keep cash in your front pocket.
- Notify the credit card issuer or bank immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
Details: Honeydew Police Station 011 801 8614, South African Police Services emergency number 10111, Crime Stop 08600 10111.
