Moorreesburg police are showing their proactiveness

The Moorreesburg police are continuing their door to door campaign to educate the public, through the handing out of pamphlets, on ways to keep themselves and their property safe. Here are a few safety tips:. Be crime-conscious – be aware of the risk of crime at all times.. Never walk around alone and do not talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people. Walk in a well-lit street and in a group, if possible.. Make sure your home is secure, and join an armed response service. Be sure that you know you can easily find them.. Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be away. However, think twice before advertising your absence and plans on social media. Remember criminals also have access to Facebook, Twitter, and so on.. Trust your instincts.. Avoid crowded streets where you cannot walk properly, as that is where criminals easily pursue their targets.. Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.. Numerous cases have been reported where people who have used online platforms to advertise their goods fall victim to robberies or more serious crimes after being lured by criminals acting as buyers to make a delivery in certain areas.. The police want to caution the public in general that it is not safe to venture into an unfamiliar area to make a delivery, or meet a potential buyer of an item which had been advertised on an online platform such as Facebook’s Marketplace. It is advised to arrange a meeting with a potential buyer at a public place at a time when people are around or even in front of a police station. If the caller has an ulterior motive, he or she will in all probability make an alternative suggestion, which should raise a red flag.. You may be offered the opportunity to claim money worth millions of dollars or rands. Under no circumstances should you attempt to reply, by email, phone or post. This is a scam and once the criminals have your personal details such as Bank account, identity number they can empty your bank account.. With this warning police by no means discourage people to make use of online advertising platforms, but to exercise caution when doing so, to prevent becoming a criminal’s next victim.. Other focus areas being addressed are gender-based violence, substance abuse, crimes against women and children, dangerous weapons, illegal spaza shops, extortion and the selling of cigarettes to children. People who need support to be substance abuse-free are welcome to join the Substance Abuse Support Group on Mondays at 18:00 at Rosenhof Community Hall, Sentrumweg Moorreesburg.