KNYSNA NEWS - A total of 131 suspects were arrested during crime prevention operations in Knysna since December 1 as part of the festive season operations.
These operations are aimed at enhancing the safety of all visitors and inhabitants of our area, especially during the festive season period.
The operations are held in conjunction with the Knysna municipal and provincial traffic, department of correctional services, SA National Parks, security companies and neighbourhood watch volunteers.
Actions conducted include roadblocks, vehicle check points (VCPs), visits to shebeens, foot patrols in the CBD and beaches.
Liquor and drug abuse remains major contributors to the commission of violent crime. A special focus on liquor and drug abuse led to the arrest of 33 suspects for drug-related offences and 14 suspects for drunkenness. We subsequently confiscated small amounts of dagga (cannabis), tik and Mandrax tablets that were found in the possession of the suspects.
Continued emphasis on road safety led to the arrest of six suspects for driving under the influence of liquor (drunken driving).
Three suspects were arrested for housebreaking and theft, as well as one for possession of stolen property after possible stolen items were found in his possession.
Special tracing operations by the Knysna detectives led to the arrest of 14 suspects on outstanding warrants of arrests.
Other arrests were for sexually related offences, robbery, shoplifting, assault and assault with the intend to commit grievous bodily harm.
Theft out of motor vehicle remains one of the major challenges during festive period. It is a known fact that theft out of motor vehicle and burglaries usually increase this time of the year. Arrests of perpetrators are one of the means to protect the property of owners, and three suspects were arrested for burglaries, while two suspects were apprehended for theft out of motor vehicles.
• Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.
• Keep your cellphone away from the public eye.
• Avoid parking your 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.
• Lock your valuables in the car's boot before departure.
• 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.
Visibility at hotspots increased since October 2015 as part of our first phase of the festive season operations. Foot patrols at malls and beaches will be stepped up from this week until the end of the festive season period. A special awareness drive will be conducted at the mall this coming Thursday.
The public are once again advised to take extra precaution when using ATMs. A number of cases involving bogus car guards (parking meter attendants) were reported recently in Knysna. These perpetrators approached motorists, especially tourists, to pay for parking and subsequently accompany them to ATMs with the aim to steal large sums of cash from the unknowing victims.
• Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using an ATM.
• Never give your card or PIN to anyone, for any reason.
• Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.
• Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM.
• Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as shield to make sure nobody sees you keying in your PIN.
• Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.
• Criminals work in teams – one to distract you, while the other one steals your card or money.
• Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf – they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.
• Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions.
• If you need help, ask a bank official.
We shall continue with our efforts such as the roadblocks and VCPs to ensure the safety of all. This integrated and zero-tolerance approach with other law enforcement agencies and counterparts will be sustained until the end of the festive season.
The prevention of crime and the overall safety of the public remains our core function. We therefore appeal to the public and visitors alike to cooperate and enjoy the festive season, but to do so within the ambit of the law.
* Please report any illegal activity to the SAPS at 10111 or contact Crime Stop at 08600-10111.
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