Colonel Cyril Nkuna, Station Commander of Atlantis Police Station, sends a special festive season message to all residents of Witsand, Atlantis, Mamre and Pella.
He said: “We are in the festive season, in which many of us will travel to different destinations and some will receive visitors or loved ones in this period. As you enjoy and celebrate always remember to be safe.
“The Atlantis South African Police Service, as a law enforcement agency, will play its part, in partnership with other role players, to enforce the law and ensure the residents are safe and feel safe.
“Men and women in blue are deployed in the surrounding areas of Atlantis for high visibility and will have a zero tolerance approach towards crime and non-compliant residents.
“To all men in our society, you are urged to avoid gender-based violence at all costs, and please respect the rights of our women and children. Rather walk away and get fresh air.
“Soon factories will close for the big days and workers will receive their bonuses. We therefore request your cooperation at all times and urge the community always to be alert and vigilant. Carry as little cash as possible. Consider the convenience of paying your accounts electronically. Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you.
“When withdrawing money at an ATM, punch in the pin with one hand, while covering the key pad with the other. Do not accept any assistance from bystanders. Be aware of suspicious-looking people hanging around at ATMs. Use those that are well lit and where security is present (preferably ATMs attached to banks, as they tend to have cameras). Make sure you are not followed after transacting.
“As people have turned to online shopping and settling payments on an app, criminals have enhanced their efforts of phishing, to steal personal data and defraud using online platforms. When shopping online only place orders with your card on a secure website.
“Banks will never ask you to confirm your confidential information over the phone. If you receive a phone call requesting confidential information do not respond and end the call.
“We call on all road users not to drink and drive, to drive carefully with respect and obey traffic rules to reduce road carnage.
“We are grateful to work hand-in-hand with the Atlantis Community Police Forum, neighbourhood watches, stake holders and other law enforcement agencies. Thank you for your partnership.
“We take this moment to wish everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Stay safe.”
