July 12, 2006
By Thuli Ntuli
A SAFETY blitz in the suburb of Norwood saw members of the Johannesburg Metro Police, South African Police Services and the community police forum handing out pamphlets with safety tips to residents.
The campaign, on 8 July, is part of an ongoing City safety awareness campaign "aimed at interacting with members of the community and teaching them personal and business safety", according to Johannesburg spokesperson, Virgil James.
Earlier this year a similar safety event was held in Orange Grove.
"Norwood is one of four strategic geographic areas in which the Johannesburg City Safety Programme is being implemented. The other areas are Ellis Park, the Inner City and Moroka in Soweto," said James.
A safe, clean and green city is one of the priorities listed by the Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Amos Masondo, in his budget speech earlier this year.
He is determined that Johannesburg will be "a city where life, property and lifestyles are safe and secure, [where] the external environment is free of pollution and promotes environmental sustainability".
Sixteen police officers walked the streets of Norwood on Saturday, talking to members of the public. They also went to the local shopping mall, and put pamphlets in the post-boxes of Norwood residents.
"We are restoring faith and confidence in police to the community," said James.
According to James, the initiative was well-received by residents and businesses, some of whom gave the police information on by-law contraventions and drug dealing.
"We will continue with this campaign in other parts of the city," said James.
"Next time we visit Norwood we will do roadblocks and apprehend people who are contravening the City's by-laws, and crack down on illegal dumping and unlicensed shebeens," he added.
Metro police officers pounded the streets of Norwood to pass on safety tips
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
Safety tips
At home:
Ensure you know your neighbours and have their contact details.
If anybody works at your neighbour's premises, ensure you and your neighbours know which days they work, so that you can report any suspicious activity to them. Ask them to do the same for you.
Be vigilant if any building construction is taking place in your immediate neighbourhood.
Don't let people onto your property unless you know them personally or they have proper identification.
Always keep security doors locked, even if you want to leave other doors open.
Always make sure that doors and windows are closed and locked, when you leave the premises, even if it's for a short while.
Always have emergency numbers accessible.
When going on a trip:
If possible, get a housekeeper.
Ask a friend to ensure that your lights are turned on and off and curtains drawn daily.
Get someone to clear your post box and cancel newspaper subscriptions.
Don't leave anything outside that will attract passers-by.
In public:
Avoid using your cellphone unnecessarily.
Keep valuables such as jewellery and cell phones concealed.
Carry bags in front of you rather than on your back.
Avoid carrying large sums of money.
Parking:
Never leave your car unlocked or windows down.
Never leave valuables that may attract thieves on view.
Pull your vehicle into the yard and do not leave it unattended in the streets as it will attract criminals.
Driving:
Always be observant of your surroundings.
If you notice anyone suspicious following or standing near your home, call the local police, a security company, or go to the nearest police station and ask for an escort.
Avoid stopping and asking strangers for directions if you are unsure of your surroundings; rather get to a garage or police station.
Do not try to move objects lying on the road; rather drive around if possible and report it to the nearest police station.
Safety tips when withdrawing money in an ATM:
Always be aware of your surroundings.
Never accept assistance from a stranger at an ATM.
Avoid withdrawing large sums of money unless necessary. If so, take someone with you to provide safety and watch for any suspicious behaviour.
If somebody is following you, alert a security guard immediately or get to the nearest police station for assistance.
If the ATM retains your card, notify the bank immediately.
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