Table View residents came out in numbers last week (Friday 6 October) to attend a crime awareness and prevention talk at Church on the Rise in Bloubergrise.
Capt Adriana Chandler, Table View police spokesperson, presented a slide show on crime awareness to the community and the police band entertained those in attendance before and after the talk.
The awareness talk addressed crime affecting the residents of the Table View precinct, which includes theft.
“Never leave valuable items unattended in public spaces; pickpocketing in public spaces is on the increase, so keep your wallet and cellphone in your control and not in pants’ back pocket,” Chandler said at the talk.
She said most shoppers also leave their handbags in the trolley, resulting in pickpocket theft.
Tips to keep safe
The talk also focused on theft out of motor vehicles, where Chandler urged all to make sure that all doors are locked before they leave their vehicle.
“Jamming devices are used to intercept the locking mechanism and never leave valuable items in plain sight,” she said.
She said it is important to activate your alarm system, even if it is for a short period of time.
“Always lock your doors, even when at home and keep your windows closed at night, activate your alarm when going out, test your alarm system regularly and contact your local neighbourhood watch on tips on how to improve security at your home,” she said.
As crime spikes in the area, Chandler urged the community to report suspicious characters to their armed response company, neighbourhood watch or the police.
“Avoid walking in dark, secluded areas; never run with earphones – this will distract your attention from your surroundings, especially if someone is following you. Never carry large sums of cash on you, never use your cellphone whilst walking in public and make sure your car doors are locked and windows closed when approaching an intersection,” she said.
Get involved
She also recommended residents join their local neighbourhood watch, attend public meetings hosted by the police and follow Table View CPF Facebook page for all newsworthy incidents and crime awareness tips.
“Report criminal activities to Crime Stop anonymously on 08600 10111.”
The community is invited to the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children on Wednesday 29 November. Details will be made available closer to the time.
