Police officers are raising safety awareness by educating members of the public on scams during and beyond the festive season and reporting incidents of crime to relevant authorities, instead of posting them on social media, as this creates possibilities for mob justice.
Captain Lisa Munro, communications officer for Atlantis police, shared the following safety tips and warned the public to stay alert and be aware of crime opportunities at all times.
Holiday Accommodation Safety Tips
. Be cautious when searching for a holiday rental online.
Scammers create fake holiday rental listings using high-pressure sales tactics and a sense of urgency to trick people into making hasty decisions. Here’s how to respond: . Always verify contact information and look out for any red flags, such as requests for upfront payments or deposits to “secure” the booking. . Verify the entity’s ownership and legitimacy of the venue by doing thorough online research. Search and read their reviews. If there’s no information or it seems dubious, consider that a red flag.. It is advisable always to use reputable letting agencies when making a booking; they run a number of checks to ensure everything is safe and legal.
Tips for Personal Safety Awareness:
. Be crime conscious – be aware of crime opportunities at all times!. Never walk around alone and avoid talking to strangers. . Beware of strange cars and/or people.. Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible. . Memorise emergency numbers and keep them displayed in an easily accessible place.. Trust your instincts.
