KNYSNA NEWS - A total of 77 suspects were arrested over the past weekend as part of the police's efforts to ensure a safer festive season.
In what the police call Operation Duty Calls, police clamped down on drug and alcohol abuse and violent crimes and also arrested suspected housebreakers, between Friday, December 12 and Sunday, December 14.
The communication officer of the Knysna Police, Sergeant Chris Spies, said on Monday, December 15: "The operation forms part of numerous operations that are being conducted as part of the festive season operations, with a special focus on increased safety levels during this period. It was held in conjunction with Knysna Municipal Traffic, Knysna Provincial Traffic and the Department of Correctional Services. The operation included roadblocks, vehicle check-points, visits to shebeens, foot patrols in the central business district and beaches."
According to Spies, drug and liquor abuse remain some of the major contributors to violent crime. "The police arrested two suspects for dealing in liquor without a licence in Hornlee, at Harker Street and Kalander Street respectively. Liquor was also confiscated during these operations. Continued focus on road safety led to the arrest of five suspects for driving whilst under the influence of liquor. Six suspects were arrested for drug-related offences. The police confiscated Tik and dagga during these arrests."
A total of 408 vehicles were searched at a roadblock on Friday and fines with an estimated value of R10 000 were issued for traffic violations. An amount of R5 250 was paid at the roadblock by motorists with outstanding warrants for traffic violations. The police also arrested a suspect for possession of stolen property, after a laptop and cellular phone were found inside his vehicle.
A further three suspects were arrested for housebreaking and theft, and another three for possession of stolen property after possibly stolen items were found in their possession.
"Theft out of motor vehicles remains one of the major challenges for the police in Knysna. It is a known fact that theft out of motor vehicles and burglaries usually increase during the festive period."
• Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
• Keep your cellular phone away from the public eye.
• Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding cars.
• Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you leave your parked car.
• Lock your valuables in the car boot before departure.
• Remove detachable radio faces when getting out of the car.
• Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision or someone on patrol are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and or well-populated and not where there are no bushes or buildings where offenders might hide.
Members of the police and the Knysna Community Police Forum distributed about 1 000 pamphlets with safety tips at the roadblocks.
"The safety of the public is of utmost importance. Law enforcers will continue their zero-tolerance approach throughout the festive season. We want to urge the public to obey orders at all times and to report any illegal activity to the SAPS at 08600 10111."
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