DURBAN - With the silly season drawing nearer, a Durban CPF warns residents to be vigilant as October ends and November begins.
According to the Umbilo Community Policing Forum (CPF), November was a time it saw a spike in crime across Durban and their Umbilo community.
The CPF said November was the month businesses started pushing to wind up their contracts and business before the end of the year:
- Companies start having their end of year functions early.
- Matric farewells.
- End of exams for some.
- Everyone starts to gear up for the festive season.
“So, November is when we start to hit into the festive season (or silly season as many I hear call it),” said CPF chairperson Heather Roos.
“This also a time that not only crime rises, but so does suicide and depression. So please, start to take time to pay more notice and attention to your loved ones, especially teenagers, the elderly, unemployed, and those just going through a rough time, as this time of year can become a difficult time for many.”
She said shops would start pre-Christmas sales and specials, which meant shops and shopping centres would start to become busier as many start their early Christmas shopping.
“In the past, we’ve seen when shopping centres get hit by crime as criminals, too, go on early Christmas crime shopping,” Roos said.
“All crimes escalate, and this includes human trafficking, as traffickers know this is a busy time when youngsters like to get together and hang around, going to movies, or the game arcades etc.”
Roos said hijackings and theft out of motor vehicles also increased, therefore, people needed to be aware of their surroundings.
She called on people not to leave valuables in their vehicles because criminals knew the hiding spots, such as the boot and under the seats.
“Always have your keys ready when going back to your vehicle. Don’t delay when you get to your vehicle. You and your passengers get in, lock your doors and leave. Don’t stand around talking and fiddling in your bag, still looking for your car keys, or taking time to pack your boot when you are in a dicey place.
“Remember, criminals are sharp, they spot a potential victim a mile away. So if you distracted on your phone, or with your children, or fiddling with your handbag, or so busy chatting to a friend etc, while walking to your car, they will target you as a potential easy victim.”
“All the other usual warnings that we have given over the years of parking in well lit up areas, not parking in deserted areas, not sitting in your vehicle for long periods, or standing outside next to your vehicle chatting with someone, or on your phone. Not leaving handbags, wallets or phones displayed when driving that's easily spotted, drive with all doors locked and windows closed, are all still very important warnings,” Roos said.
She said when shopping, people should not be distracted and must remain alert when in a store.
“Criminals often work in groups or pairs in shopping malls. So women, watch your bags at all times, do not have your bag dangling at your side while shopping or while in line waiting to pay at the cashier, or when paying for your goods as pick-pocketers and handbag pickers are experts at getting their fingers and hands into your bag and nipping your purse or cellphone without you even knowing or feeling it,” Roos said.
“Men, do not put your wallets or phone in your back, side or even front pocket, these guys will get it out without you knowing, they use people to bump into you, and it's so sleek and quick, they got your phone out even your front pocket.”
She said the same goes for young girls who love putting their phones in the back pockets of their tight jeans. It still shows to criminals from a mile away, and you become an easy target.
“Ladies, put your bags across your tummy, and at all times, keep your bag in front of you when busy shopping or reaching up to get stuff off shelves or trying clothes and shoes on. Also, do not leave bags in trolleys or put them down next to you, or left in change room on the floor, or unattended, at any time. It will be snatched so quickly. The same goes for your parcels from other stores that you leave unattended in your trolley. People will take them out of your trolley and be gone in a flash,” Roos said.
She also asked for children not to be left unattended, even for a few seconds while seated in a trolley or walking next to you, but hold on to them at all times. Never let strangers offer to hold your baby or child or watch your trolley while shopping or when you go out anywhere.
Not everyone has good intentions, and criminals come in all ages, gender, looks, race groups etc. Most are very nice, well-dressed educated, and possibly, the last person you would think would be a criminal or have bad intentions.
“Never let your children, no matter what age, go to a public toilet by themselves, no matter where you are. Another easy place to target potential victims, even at paying toilets, crime happens so quickly. Go with them inside where toilets are, stand outside the actual toilet door while they’re inside using the toilet,” Roos said.
“Repeat this to your children as well, so they too know to be aware.”
Roos also warned people never to give out any personal details to anyone that they do not know. Not your full name, address, cell number, ID number, bank card details or account number or details of your family, or school or work. Criminals can use this info to track you or extort money from you without you knowing. They can be and are very convincing.
“As we gear up to voting, criminals will use this as a time of opportunity as well as they know many political parties are canvassing, going door to door etc. Again, please do not just let anyone into or onto your property, regardless of who they say they are or claim to be from. Please, rather double-check and rather be safe than be sorry afterwards,” Roos warned.
“Please, stay alert, be aware at all times, keep looking around you what is going on, and keep your ears open for noise around you, never be distracted by cellphones, or by earphones in or on your ears etc. You then become an easy target to an opportunistic criminal seeking out easy victims.”
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