The CPF is going to host an open meeting to promote awareness about scams on August 6, at which they are hoping to have representatives from various banking institutions present.
At this meeting, the venue of which is still to be confirmed, the issue of the new car guard system will also be discussed and any questions and concerns may be aired. They are trying to remove people from the CBD who pose as car guards, but are looking for opportunities to commit crimes.
They appealed to the public not to encourage them by giving them food or money.
Fraudulent transactions and scams remain ever present, with criminals constantly trying new ways of getting money. Be aware of all requests for information over the phone: don’t give in to these crooks.
The CPF appealed to the younger generation to assist the elderly in passing on this message.“Do not fall victim to these scammers. If you have not ordered anything, it’s not yours; if you don’t have relatives overseas, the inheritance they promise you is not yours. Instead, you will lose all your money by giving them information when they call, or following links that they send you via SMS orWhatsApp ,” the CPF said. They said in a month when crime had increased marginally, one positive thing was that many culprits were being caught and imprisoned.
Many repeat offenders were among those criminals and they are being rearrested. The CPF appealed to residents to lock away items and not leave them outside overnight. “This month, someone left her washing out on the line and it cost her dearly, because in the
morning, she found it had all been stolen.” It’s important to be aware of who is out and
about in your neighbourhood, particularly if they are there at an unusual hour, for no legitimate reason that is evident or could be surmised.
CPF members engage with people wandering the streets in the early hours, and encourage them to move on. “If you’re driving around after dark, please keep your vehicle doors locked until you reach your destination .” the CPF said. “When approaching a stop sign or a red traffic light, be aware of any loiterers in the vicinity. “Approach slowly and carefully. “We continue our appeal for residents to join the CPF and would like to thank those that have joined and go out at night to look after and keep us and our valuable infrastructure safe,” they said.
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, July 25, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
