Update
PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay crime fighters have called on the community to assist with breaking down the language barrier when foreign tourists fall victim to crime.
Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operational head Otto Olivier said recently a tourist reported a case of banking fraud with local police and was referred to the banking institution instead.
“Much later it was established that the tourist was in fact robbed of her ATM card and a substantial amount of money was withdrawn.
"Due to this miscommunication the criminal got away with the funds without anyone being any the wiser,” Olivier said.
He said the perpetrators distracted the tourist at an ATM on 29 September 29, got hold of their bank cards and subsequently withdrew the money.
This incident highlights the need for interpreters when foreign tourists report crime and give their first statements to police, he said.
“We are therefore in the process of setting up a database of volunteers who would be prepared to interpret statements to prevent criminals getting away with crimes due to language barriers,” Olivier said, adding that this would also assist in obtaining the correct description of suspects and subsequently assist in crime fighting efforts.
He urged anyone who would like to assist to supply their name and contact details, along with the foreign language they are willing to interpret.
This can be emailed to plettwatchmembers@gmail.com with INTERPRETER as the subject line.
These details can also be sent via WhatsApp to Lisa on 072 373 9689 or Carol on 082 775 6952.
“We will be setting up a database and contact for assistance when the need arises. Because not everyone will be available all the time, we would like as many people as possible to sign up.”
Read a previous article: Foreign tourists battle to report crime
ARTICLE: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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