KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna SAPS has geared itself to ensure that Knysna is safe during the Oyster Festival as thousands of nationals and international guests flock Knysna to join in the festivities that are on offer. 

Knysna SAPS have increased police visibility during this year’s Pick ’n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival as part of “Operation Squeeze the space”. This operation includes high density vehicle and foot patrols, roadblocks and VCP’s (Vehicle Check Points), compliancy visits to licenced liquor outlets, the tracing and confiscation of unlicensed firearms as well as search and seizure operations in crime hotspots areas. Special emphasis will be placed on the tracing of outstanding and wanted suspects.

Increased visibility and operations will be conducted inter-alia with other law enforcement agencies such as Local Municipal and Provincial Traffic Departments, Law Enforcement Department of the Municipality, security companies and neighbourhood watch volunteers. The main goal is to ensure high levels of safety throughout the 10-day winter festival period.

Whilst visitors and communities enjoy themselves, they should still be aware of their surroundings and take steps to secure their loved ones and property. The public is encouraged to adhere to advice and directions provided by law enforcers and to enjoy themselves within the perimeters of the law.

Crime Analysis indicated that theft out of motor vehicle remains one of the main challenges and concerns during this period of festivities. Perpetrators usually target vehicles parked with valuables in sight of passer-by and such items were either stolen from or out of these vehicles, according to our Crime Pattern Analysis. It is therefore of utmost importance that visitors to Knysna and the public assist the police to prevent these incidents by always being vigilant. Cyclers are urged to take good care of their belongings, especially when vehicles are parked.

Due to the great volume of visitors we appeal to motorist and pedestrian in particular to adhere to general road safety rules and to obey legislative prescribes as safety remains key to successful execution of our operational plan. Law enforcement agencies will focus on road safety to reduce incidents of drunken driving and unnecessary collisions that can be prevented. 

Drivers who plan to indulged in liquor are advised to make alternative transport arrangements.

Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Gogwana, the Acting Station Commander of the Knysna police said, “ I appeal to visitors and the public to play their role by ensuring their own safety and that of their belongings during the festival. We shall have a zero tolerance approach and plan to maintained that throughout the Oyster festival period and we call on everyone to be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour or criminal activities to the authorities.”

The public should take note of the following safety hints throughout the festival:

• 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.
• 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 a party or social event with someone you do not know or have just met.
• 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.
• 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.

Information provided by Sgt Chris Spies, Knysna SAPS Communication Official.

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