Property crime has increased and in many instances it is because of carelessness on the part of the owners. We are also becoming aware of more incidents of theft reported on WhatsApp groups, but not being reported to SAPS. This is alarming, for various reasons. We once again appeal to the public who have had any form of theft to report these incidents to SAPS. You are abetting criminals by your non action.
As we approach the end of the year with visitors in town and parties everywhere, everything that we did during the year to keep ourselves and our community safe suddenly gets forgotten. Criminals rejoice at how suddenly they, too, can enjoy the festive season: there is so much lying around on offer. Cars are left unlocked with valuables inside, houses left open with alarm systems not activated and bicycles left lying around, scammers and fraudsters pushing and shoving at ATMs, people asking to push your trolley while they watch what you do.
Be security aware – for your own sake and for those around you. An upsurge of scams and fraud cases that have come to our attention.
Out-of-town ‘seller’
Local residents are paying in advance for wares that they haven’t personally inspected because the seller is t of town. Dogs, cars and trailers, sheep, seaside properties, holiday resort accommodation – people have fallen victim to attractive offers that turn out to be scams. Always check the authenticity of items offered for sale.
‘Trust me, I’m a scammer…!’
People are still giving OTP, PIN and ID numbers to people they don’t know. And don’t be taken in by too-good-to-be-true charlatans. People are being cleaned out, with everything from diamonds to farms and retirement funds being embezzled by confidence tricksters. In many cases, they are people we know and supposedly should be able to trust. Always think things through, don’t be rushed, and when in doubt, don’t.
Unsecure internet use
Your phone and laptop must be secured with reputable antivirus, anti-malware software. When you visit a website, the ‘s’ in https:// stands for secure; http//: means the website is unsecured.
Tech check
Have you checked your security systems, your gate, security lights, alarm. Are they working? Do it now, don’t procrastinate!
Tell your visitors
Are you getting visitors? Whether they’re coming to your B&B, guest house or your own home, make sure to tell them about securing their possessions. You won’t see them again if you don’t and you will be bringing our beautiful town into bad repute. Don’t be the person who puts visitors off your town because you or a staff member forgot to show them how to keep their stuff safe.
Street safety
We appeal to East Bank residents to be aware of loiterers taking advantage of the increased activity in the area due to construction work to disguise the reason for their presence.
Beach safety
An appeal from our SAPS is that people going to the beach should swim only at demarcated areas. If you notice anyone in the water where they shouldn’t be, please mention this to the life guard on duty. All children who are near water, whether it be a swimming pool, river or the ocean, should at all times be accompanied by an adult. Even if the adult can’t swim, they can call for help.
We will have an electric bicycle patrolling East and West beaches, mounted police and patrolling security company officials checking that our bylaws are being complied with. Should you see someone doing something illegal or antisocial, please report it to the nearest law enforcement officer. Traffic officers are al.so law-enforcement officers.
Take care of those around you
When you’re out and about, or at home, please keep an eye on vulnerable people who are also out and about, or who are your neighbours. That includes the elderly.
The 16 days of activism for no violence against women and children started on Monday November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The CPF will be handing out pamphlets with very important information on them. Please read them.
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, November 28, 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.
