These operations aims to ensure high levels of safety throughout the 10-day festival.
The operations include visits to liquor outlets, foot patrols and stop and search operations. A special focus will also be placed on the Knysna Lagoon and the N2 highway with observations, as well as patrols. Crime hotspots have already been identified and increased patrols will be conducted in these areas.
Regular road blocks and vehicle checkpoints will be conducted. Drivers that plan to use liquor are advised to make alternative transport arrangements.
Theft out of motor vehicles remains one of the main challenges during this period. A number of theft out of motor vehicles were reported during the festival last year. It is therefore of utmost importance that visitors to Knysna and the public assist the police to prevent these incidents. Analysis of the crimes indicated that vehicles parked with valuables in sight of the public were targeted and valuables were stolen. The stolen items included clothing, laptops, cameras, cash, cellular phones and smaller items. Incidents where bicycles were stolen from motor vehicles were also reported in last year.
The public should take note of the following safety tips throughout the festival:
- Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
- Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible.
- Keep your cellular phone away from the public eye.
- Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars.
- Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car.
- Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
- Lock your valuables in the cars boot before departure.
- At night, park in well-lit areas.
- Do not leave your goods/valuable items visible in the car.
- Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face when getting out of the car.
- Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and or well-populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
- Do not walk alone at night.
- Do not leave a party or social event with someone you do not know or have just met.
The station Commander of the Knysna police, Colonel Atwell Metu, said “a zero tolerance approach will continue throughout the festive period.
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