MEDIA RELEASE 15 November 2006 Mayor launches festive season awareness campaign The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg Councillor Amos Masondo today, 15 November 2006, launched a citywide festive season awareness campaign. "The objective of the campaign is to alert our residents and visitors to the City to be especially aware of criminal activity over the festive season", says Mayor Masondo. He said that thousands of special "festive season civic awareness " pamphlets would be distributed throughout the City. These contain cautionary advice including: Remain alert when shopping especially at ATM's Avoid carrying large amounts of cash Keep handbags, wallets, cell phones and jewellery secure Do not leave items in your car in view of passersby Lock car doors and be cautious of traffic light vendors Report suspicious behaviour to an officer of the law Stay sober and aware of strangers trying to distract you "We are appealing to the public to be extra vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to an officer of the law or precinct guard, " says Mayor Masondo. Telephone numbers to call are SAPS on 1011, JMPD on 375 5911 and a "hotline" 331 1339 to Queincident's control room that monitors the closed circuit television cameras around the city. Continuing Mayor Masondo says," There are surveillance cameras installed in many areas of the inner City and a joint SAPS and JMPD rapid response team to respond to whatever situation arises". The Central Johannesburg Partnership (CJP) will also be deploying additional precinct guards in the inner city and the public is urged to seek assistance from these distinctively uniformed guards. "Joburg is committed to creating a clean safe city where residents and visitors alike are able to live, work and play", says Mayor Masondo. Ends Issued on behalf of: Councillor Amos Masondo Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg Issued by: Virgil James Communications Specialist (011) 407 7226 082 467 9415 virgilj@joburg.org.za