EC: Port Alfred Cluster
The SAPS within the Port Alfred Cluster are working closely with local stakeholders to ensure a safe festive season for all locals as well as guests who will be visiting the Sunshine Coast.
Event organisers are encouraged to ensure that if you plan on having an event, that the necessary applications are made within the Legislative Framework of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act 2010 (Act no. 2 of 2010)
The following hints and tips are provided by the SAPS to assist in ensuring a memorable crime free vacation.
On the street:
· Avoid an ostentatious display of expensive jewelry, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables.
· Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped, and do not leave it unattended.
· Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended.
· Do not carry large sums of money with you.
· Exchange your currency at a bank or at the hotel – never exchange it on the street.
· Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers.
· Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.
· At night, stay away from dark, isolated areas.
· It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets.
· Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers.
· A police officer or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you get lost.
At the hotel, guesthouse, other accomodation:
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- Report any suspicious or unattended luggage or parcels to the personnel at reception.
- Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room.
- Store valuables in the safety deposit box.
- Keep your room locked.
- If someone knocks, check who it is before opening the door. Contact reception if you have any reason for concern.
- Hand your keys in whenever you leave.
- Make sure that luggage is only given to the bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.
Out shopping:
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- Keep your handbag close to your person at all times. Never leave your bag unattended in a trolley.
- Do not give your handbag to a child or an old person to carry.
- Do not resist the robbery of a phone, handbag or purse. Take note of the clothing, possible age, distinguishing features eg. Tattoos, marks etc. of the offender. Have the police emergency numbers readily available.
- Be aware of fraudsters who pretend to assist you.
Safety at ATM:
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- Be alert at all times
- If you see anything suspicious , stop the transaction and leave
- If ATM is poorly lit, find another one
- Never give your pin to anyone.
- Do not count cash at the machine
- Never accept assistance from strangers
- Any strange device attached to the ATM could spell danger
- Never let any of your bank and credits cards out of your sight.
In your car:
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- Plan your route in advance and let someone know your plans .
- Be extra cautious especially when driving alone .
- Avoid stopping in remote places.
- Never leave your valuables unattended in a vehicle. Place them in the boot.
- Do not give lifts to strangers.
- Plan your route in advance.
- Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times.
- Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible from outside the vehicle.
- Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk) before your departure.
- At night, park in well-lit areas.
- Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
- If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice and help.
- Make sure you have the number of the car rental company at hand in case you get stranded.
Safety with fireworks:
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- Over the years, several complaints regarding fireworks have been received.
- NB: Fireworks can only be sold if you have a permit which is applied for through the Explosive Unit.
- Currently there are no businesses within the Ndlambe Municipality that has been granted permission to sell fireworks. Should any fireworks be found to sold, the SAPS will take stringent action including confiscations or possibly close business until compliance is met!
- The local municipality may grant permission for persons to ignite fireworks. This should be done only through an expert pyro technician.
Enquiries: Captain Mali Govender 0827797123