KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna police in conjunction with Municipal law-enforcement, Provincial and Municipal Traffic will increase visibility during the Knysna Oyster Festival as part of to enhance the safety levels throughout the ten-day festival period in Knysna. 

Law-enforcement agencies will be supported by SANparks that will focus on the estuary, as well as local security companies and neighbourhood watch volunteers that will concentrate on the festival activities surrounding the festival grounds.

A number of operations will be conducted during this period. It includes visits to licenced liquor outlets, foot patrols, roadblocks, vehicle check points as well as search and seizure operations in crime hotspots areas. Operations aimed at tracing of outstanding known and wanted suspects will also be conducted by investigators.

The safety of road users are key to the operational plan and law-enforcement agencies are committed to reduce incidents of driving motor vehicle whilst under the influence of liquor. Drivers are discouraged to use motor vehicles whilst under the influence of liquor. They are advised to make alternative transport arrangements beforehand or face the consequences. A zero tolerance approach will be maintained and drivers found to be under influence of liquor will be arrested.

Crime analysis of previous years indicated that theft out of motor vehicle as well as theft from motor vehicle remains challenge during these festive period. Perpetrators target vehicles that are parked with expensive valuables and bicycles that are left unguarded on vehicles. Cyclers need to take good care of their bicycles, especially when vehicles are parked.

Colonel Atwell Metu, Station Commander of the Knysna SAPS, urged the public to obey to orders from law enforcement officers. He also called upon visitors to Knysna as well as the public to work with the police to enhance safety. He said:” visitors and the public must enjoy themselves during the festival within the perimeters of the law. They should however still be aware of their surroundings and take steps to secure their loved ones as well as valuables. I want to appeal to all visitors and the public at large to play their role in ensuring their own safety. A zero tolerance approach will be maintained throughout the festive period.” He also urged the public to be vigilant and to report suspicious behaviour or criminal conduct to the relevant 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.

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