The Din-Al-View CPF is warning residents of Germiston Sector Five to be especially vigilant.<\/p>\n
Sector Five comprises Dinwiddie, Albemarle, Castleview, Union and Norton Small Farms (east of the N3 highway).<\/p>
Christmas is approaching. and people know this as the \u201csilly season\u201d.<\/p>\n
Criminals are quick to take advantage of a decrease in vigilance by people during this holiday season.<\/p>
\u201cUnfortunately, housebreakings are on the increase in our sector, mostly during the daytime,\u201d said Jane Dijkman, public relations officer for the Din-Al-View CPF.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe children are writing exams and will be in and out of the home at different times; please teach them to be watchful and to ensure that they are not being followed home.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf possible, implement a buddy system to ensure that children do not arrive home alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
She added that children should also have the number of the police sector van and other emergency numbers saved on their phones, preferably on speed dial.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is even better to memorise the number,” Dijkman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you are in a panic you might not be able to find the number you are looking for.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have neighbours at home who you trust, inform them of the times your children will leave and arrive at their home.\u201d<\/p>\n
The police have discovered some facts that could help citizens to protect themselves and their property from criminals.<\/p>\n
Dijkman said that, lately, criminals have been targeting elderly victims.<\/p>\n
Elderly residents should, thus, change their routine, avoid leaving home by the same route on a regular basis and be vigilant and observant.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook around the garden before taking your car out of the garage,\u201d she advised.<\/p>\n
\u201cCheck to see if there is any rubbish lying on your pavement, as it may be a marker, left there by a criminal.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf there is, pick it up and dispose of it in your dustbin.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you feel uneasy and subscribe to a security service, call them to be present when you leave or arrive home, until you have left or are safely inside your property.<\/p>\n
\u201cA panic button connected to the house alarm system should be carried on your key ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep all doors locked and windows closed and locked.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t know the person knocking on your door, do not open the door, even if they beg you to do so.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople will try anything, especially sympathy, to gain access to your property.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlease be careful and don\u2019t make rash decisions; rather phone someone to come over or contact your security company and let them deal with the person at your door.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Din-Al-View CPF, SAPS and security companies have patrollers on the road, but they cannot see everything.<\/p>\n
This is one of the reasons the CPF is asking all community members to become CPF members.<\/p>\n
Members have information available and may also report suspicious activities via CPF WhatsApp groups and be updated about crime in the sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to support each other and combat crime by sharing information; the days are over where you looked only after yourself,\u201d Dijkman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet to know your neighbours, even if you only greet them.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe aware of the number of residents in their home and the vehicles they drive.<\/p>\n
\u201cBe aware of their daily routines, so that dangerous situations may be avoided if something out of the ordinary takes place.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy supporting each other and passing on information, crime can be reduced and our sector can become a safer place for our residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Other articles you may be interested in:<\/p>\n
CPF calls for complex committees to get involved in the fight against crime<\/a><\/p>\n