With the holidays around the corner, Brackenfell police launched its festive season crime prevention operation on Thursday, with boots on the ground and an eye in the sky.
Joined by other security role players, police lead a crime prevention convoy through the suburb starting at the railway station in William Dabbs Street and ending at the Palms Restaurant in Bottelary Road where units separated to continue crime prevention patrols in the area.
Vehicles from law enforcement, traffic police, private security companies and neighbourhood watches formed part of the patrol in the residential, business and industrial areas to emphasise visibility and presence in the fight against crime.
A chopper from the police’s air wing was also operational in the air above Brackenfell during the morning hours.
Relationships
Station commander Col Jacobus Marthinus stressed the importance of vigilance and good working relationships between law enforcement agencies and the police’s force multipliers, which are private security and neighbourhood watches.
“Our main focus will continue to be preventing crime in our area and safety of the community. As security role players we all need to work together in solidarity to show perpetrators they will not be tolerated and are not welcome in Brackenfell, all within the framework of the law,” he says.
“We urge residents to keep in mind that we are entering the silly season and that they need to be extra vigilant when it comes to home and personal safety,” says police spokesperson Capt Erica Crous.
Crous says business owners must refrain to pay out wages in cash and rather open bank accounts for all their employees.
“Where this is not possible pay wages on different days and times.”
She warns school children walking to school to not walk with earphones or cellphones visible and to be aware of their surroundings.
“Also, while shopping women must keep their handbags crossed over their shoulders and men must not carry their wallets or phones in their back pockets.”
“When it comes to home safety residents must make sure their alarms, outside and security cameras are in working order. Also refrain from parking in dark spots at night, be on the lookout for remote jammers and never leave valuables in your car,” says Crous.
