It is also a time, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), when many communities “relax” and forget that opportunistic criminals are using this time to maximize their nefarious activities.

“As the police, we will be carrying out special operations in accordance with Operation Safer Festive Season to keep our people safe,” confirmed Lizzy Arumugam of the Corporate Communications Unit for SAPS Newcastle.

“Proactive measures must be put in place to ensure that everyone enjoys a crime-free holiday season. “

SAPS is also warning the community to heed the following and to assist local law enforcement agencies in taking action to protect their properties.

Residential homes

House keys should never be lying around or continue to hang on exterior doors. They should be kept in a safe place and out of sight.
Owners must park their vehicle in a garage or behind a locked gate. Even if your vehicle is parked in a garage, make sure all doors and the car are locked and if necessary the alarms are activated.

Take note and watch out for overgrown or vacant areas near your house, as many times criminals will hide stolen items in the bush and return later to retrieve them. Keep these areas clean regularly by cutting tall grass and removing bushes, where possible.

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Never leave valuables like laptops and cellphones lying around before going to bed.

Don’t ignore dog “irritating barks” – burglars will rarely enter the front door, so dogs will warn you exactly where they are. Call the police immediately if you suspect any unusual activity.

Stolen items

Don’t buy stolen goods. If you buy stolen items, more victims will suffer as the purchase of goods obtained in this way makes criminals repeat their actions. Receiving stolen goods is punishable by law.

Refuse and report stolen goods to your local police or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

ATMs and purchasing security

Avoid using isolated ATMs or using an ATM late at night. Never give your card or PIN to anyone for any reason, not even a bank officer, security staff, or a police officer.

Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM.

Beware of “shoulder surfing”: If you are distracted by someone while trying to complete a trade, cancel it immediately.

Avoid making large withdrawals of money or carrying large sums of money as this draws unwanted attention to you.

Those with stokvels or social club groups are asked not to withdraw their savings. Instead, go inside the bank and ask for help transferring the beneficiary share to your account.

During the holiday season, malls and CBDs will be buzzing with people doing their Christmas shopping. Make sure your purse is close to your body and snug. Never put your wallet in the back pocket of your jeans or pants.

Hide your cell phone when in a public place and don’t be tricked into lending it to someone to make a call.

Beware of crooks and scams. Be careful when buying products online and always make sure that the websites you use are the “real deal”.

Child safety

Parents should know the whereabouts of their children at all times.

Do not leave children unattended. Always make sure they are under adult supervision when in malls or shopping malls.

Remember that if a child is missing, there is no waiting period to report it. Time is running out, so alert the authorities immediately! Always have a recent photo of your immediate family members.

Parents, please never allow your children to swim in the pool / dams or rivers alone or unsupervised.

Children who cannot swim should never be allowed in the water. A call is made to adults not to enter the water while under the influence of alcohol – practice water safety at all times.

Hijackings and hitchhikers

Make sure your vehicle is always in running order with good tires (including a spare tire) and has enough fuel for your intended trip.

Know your destination and directions, and be alert if you get lost. Never take hitchhikers, because most criminals pose as hitchhikers only to hijack you, rob you or even injure or kill you.

The police are sending a strong message to people, especially women, not to hitchhike as it can be very dangerous. You don’t know the person bringing you and by accepting an elevator you are putting your life in danger.

Road safety

Don’t accelerate – stick to the speed of the road.

Do not write or speak on your cell phone while driving.

Stop and rest frequently during the trip.

Remember to wear seat belts.

Make sure your vehicle is roadworthy.

Respect the highway code.

Do not drink and drive.

Do not overload your vehicle.

“Fighting crime is everyone’s responsibility… We call on the community to join the police and work together to enjoy a safe holiday season,” Arumugam urged.

She confirmed that SAPS and its partners would be fully deployed to ensure the safety of communities.

“Those who break the law will face the full power of the justice system – #CrimeMustFall, she concluded.