The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign runs from November 25 to December 10 each year.
As part of their ongoing awareness campaign, members of the SAPS, CPF and Reiger Park Community Crisis Centre visited shopping centres and known crime hotspots on Tuesday, December 12, distributing hundreds of crime awareness leaflets and reminding residents that the police depend on the community to be their eyes and ears.
Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Sgt Mashudu Phathela said although their unit is ready to deal with a spike in crime, residents also need to be extra vigilant.
He said crimes that tend to increase over the festive season include burglary, theft, serious assault and attempted murder.
The Reiger Park SAPS has joined forces with provincial SAPS units, the metro police and other law enforcement agencies to make their presence felt in Reiger Park.
The Boksburg North police has also issued a warning that follow-home robberies (to homes and businesses) have spiked.
The SAPS offered the following tips to help minimise the chances of becoming a target after withdrawing large amounts of money:
- Be on the look-out for suspicious persons or vehicles and immediately contact the police on 10111 for a quick response.
- Vary the day, time and route you use to visit the bank.
- Always take someone with you; don’t go alone.
- Try not to let other people see the amount of money that you have withdrawn.
- If you notice that you are being followed, drive to your nearest police station and contact 10111.
- Businesses should make use of cash management services to deliver and pick up cash.
