The police officially launched their nationwide campaign for a safer festive season. National police spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo said the season is a time for people to relax and enjoy themselves but the opposite for criminals as they are “working hard".
“During this time opportunistic criminals prey on unsuspecting victims and accidents on our roads increase alarmingly. A comprehensive operational plan has been implemented to mitigate the threats of criminality in general and on our roads, as well as to prevent other types of accidents such as drownings,” said Naidoo.
He said law enforcement teams will be beefed up and focus on critical areas such as combating aggravated and armed robberies, crimes against women, children and vulnerable persons and many more.
“To achieve these objectives there are multiple intelligence-driven and high-visibility operations at all identified areas, which have already begun. Janine Myburgh, president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the festive season had always been peak season for business but they are worried as they saw a spike in crime.
“We have seen considerable growth in the hospitality industry as the season has been boosted by the influx of tourists. So we are dealing with foreign currency and international credit cards. Businesses have learnt to be careful and on the lookout for new scams.”
Myburgh urged businesses to be careful and consult with their security advisers, armed response firms and the police who should have the latest information on the new methods being used by scamsters and robbers.
Money attracts criminals and the risk will always be there but it becomes worse in times of unemployment.Mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services JP Smith said: "We are rolling out the Neighbourhood Safety Team in Delft, (the) Stabilisation Unit will be returning to assist in Manenberg and Hanover Park (currently training officers for both those). The CBD will see extra staff deployed in hot spots through rent-a-cop programme as was the case last year.”