Police in Gauteng are planning an offensive against crime over the festive season.
Preparation includes gathering information on what syndicates are planning and updating their list of the most wanted criminals, said police spokesperson Superintendent Eugene Opperman.
”The South African Police Service is determined to do everything possible to make the festive season one of the safest holiday periods for all,” said Opperman.
Planned operations include daily road-blocks and foot and vehicle patrols.
”During these operations the police [will] be on the lookout for wanted suspects, illegal firearms, drugs, stolen or hijacked vehicles and people who drive while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.”
The roadworthiness of vehicles and reckless or negligent driving will also receive special attention.
Opperman said police will also focus on liquor and drug misuse, which often leads to violent crimes such as rape, serious assault, murder, public violence, domestic violence and woman and child abuse.
”Liquor outlets and known drug distribution areas will receive special attention during police operations.”
Opperman stressed that ordinary citizens should play their part in crime prevention by taking responsibility for security in their own surroundings.
He called on the public to make sure that their houses look occupied while they are away on holiday to avoid tipping off burglars.
”It should look to people walking past that the house is constantly occupied and looked after.”
He advised people going away to ask their neighbours to water their gardens, cut their grass, open and close curtains, remove mail from post boxes and switch lights on and off.
”They should even put some of their garbage bags in front of your house on garbage removal days.”
Opperman urged people to not draw large sums of money while shopping.
”People should, where at possible, not draw large sums of money when they go shopping.”
He also stressed that firearms should be particularly well looked after and kept away from children.
”A car, cupboard or drawer just never is just never a safe place to keep a firearm. The law is very clear about where firearms should be kept safely,” Opperman warned. — Sapa