Kuils River Police Station is open 24/7, and services to the community are accessible during load shedding.
The local police encourage residents to make use of Eskom’s app to monitor load shedding schedules and be extra vigilant during power outages.
Local police spokesperson WO Liesel Beukes shared some safety tips:
- Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when arriving or leaving your home;
- Ensure cellphones are fully charged;
- Install rechargeable or solar lights at your property entrance, driveways and doors;
- Clear bushes around properties;
- Have torches readily available; and
- Save all emergency contact numbers.
Trends
Kuils River police have seen an increase in the theft of motor vehicles, as well as motorcycles – specifically Big Boy motorcycles often used by delivery services (groceries/food deliveries).
Beukes said their data (trends) indicate these thefts usually occur in the central business district or in the parking areas of shopping centres.
“We urge motorists and motorcyclists to be cautious when parking,” she said. “Make sure all windows and doors are locked, the alarm is activated, and that you have your keys.”
The local police have also noticed an increase over the past month of theft from motor vehicles.
“Motorists should not leave valuables, such as cellphones, laptops and handbags within sight inside their vehicles.”
According to Beukes ATM robberies are also of very great concern to the police.
“The perpetrators normally target the elderly and individuals who seem to be alone.
“They will pretend they want to assist people at the ATMs before revealing a weapon to threaten the victims.
“They demand cash and valuables from the victims, take their bank cards and run away. They then make cash purchases at stores within the metropole.”
Fake officials
The local police have seen an increase in perpetrators pretending to be officials from the City of Cape Town in recent months. Beukes said the imposters will claim they need to check on plugs inside people’s homes to gain access, to steal small items such as cellphones, jewellery, wallets and bank cards.
The City was recently alerted to an incident in which three criminals wearing City-branded reflective vests gained access to a resident’s home in the Lansdowne area by convincing them they were there regarding her indigent support application.
According to the City’s statement once inside the resident’s home, the criminals asked where the electricity meter could be found and shoved the resident to the side. The resident realised what was happening and pushed a panic button, triggering alarms and alerting security and the police.
The City advised residents to call 0860 103 089 to confirm whether an official visiting their home should be there and to verify the reference number prior to giving them access to their property.
The City of Cape Town shared the following tips for residents to verify whether visitors are in fact employed by the City:
- Always verify the reference number when an official visits your home;
- Check the official’s City-issued identification card;
- The ID card must display the City logo, the name and surname of the staff member, and must contain an embedded photo of the staff member;
- If unsure, contact the City’s Call Centre on 0860 103 089;
- Report suspicious-looking behaviour to the City’s law-enforcement agencies or the police.
Contact Kuils River police on 021 900 2800 or 08600 10111 if you encounter or see these “fake officials”.
