FESIVE SEASON SAFETY HINTS
The SAPS assures the public that policing services will be rendered as usual at all points of service. Community members can conveniently access policing service as usual. Maximum strength will be deployed at identified crime hot-spots, e.g. seaside resorts, beaches, holiday homes etc, through foot-patrols, dogs, horses and airwing where necessary.
The following hints are for general information on everybody’s safety, including the visitors to our beloved province. Please take a minute of your time to familiarize yourself with the safety and security tips which are set below. Your enjoyment and well-being as a citizen and a visitor to our beautiful beloved province is of the outmost importance to the SAPS.
These tips, will certainly, if followed, promote a more pleasant, relaxed and safe stay and visit to Eastern Cape.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
• DO NOT attract unwarranted attention by openly displaying cash, expensive jewellery, cameras and other valuables.
• CARRY your wallet, credit cards, and other important documents in your inside and front pockets.
• AVOID carrying large sums of money.
• AVOID strange, dark, poorly illuminated or isolated places.
• AVOID traveling and exploring on your own.
• PLAN your travel routes beforehand.
• Practice SAFE sex.
• TAG your luggage and belongings for easy identification and contact procedures.
IN YOUR VEHICLE
• FOLLOW the applicable general tips (above).
• As is the case anywhere in the world, your personal safety in a vehicle is strongly dependent on YOU.
• PLAN your route in advance. Keep route maps in your vehicle.
• ENSURE that you have sufficient FUEL and that your vehicle is in a ROADWORTHY condition.
• FASTEN your seat belt, lock your doors and never leave your windows open more than 5cm (+/-2 inches)
• AVOID displaying valuables openly in the vehicle. LOCK such items in the boot (trunk) of the vehicle.
• BE ALERT at traffic lights and stop streets. Leave enough space in case you have to maneuver out in an emergency.
• IF you are dumped softy from behind and you feel UNCOMFORTABLE with the individuals involved, proceed to the nearest police station.
• NEVER pick up strangers.
• NEVER entertain the advances of street beggars and “ladies of the night”.
• It is illegal to use your cellphone whilst driving – use a “hands-free” kit.
• AT NIGHT, park in a well-illuminated areas. When returning to your vehicle have your keys READY to unlock the car.
• If you are lost and concerned about the safety of the area you are in, phone 10 111, or 112 on your cellphone.
AT THE AIRPORT
• FOLLOW the applicable general tips (above).
• DO NOT leave your luggage and other belonging unattended.
• IF you feel uncomfortable with suspicious people around you, proceed immediately to the nearest police or security official.
AT YOUR HOTEL/ ACCOMMODATION
• DO NOT leave your luggage and belongings unattended.
• STORE valuables in the hotel’s safe deposit box at reception or in your room’s safe (if supplied).
• KEEP your hotel room and sliding door/windows LOCKED at all times.
• NEVER open your room door unless you have identified the person who has knocked on your door. If in doubt, contact reception for verification.
• It is ADVISABLE to hand in your room keys at reception when going out.
• DO NOT entertain the unwarranted advances of undesirable, strange or suspicious persons.
• REPORT such person to management
• USE the MIAIN ENTRANCE of the hotel when you arrive late at night.
ON THE STREET
• FOLLOW the applicable general tips (above).
• If possible, PLAN your route beforehand.
• BE CAREFUL when you hitchhike, use a reliable taxi service where possible.
• Where possible, explore the streets in groups and stick to well-illuminated, busy streets.
• BE AWARE of your surroundings – keep alert.
• WALK on or close to the curb and face on-coming traffic. AVOID alley-ways and dense shrubs/ bushes.
• USE credit cards instead of cash, where possible.
• AVIOD ostentatious display of wealth.
• If you require any information, approach a policemen, traffic officer, security officer or shopkeeper.
• AVOID jogging or cycling alone and at night, plan your route beforehand. Vary your routine/ route.
• Should you wish to use a TAXI, your hotel or the local tourism information office will recommend a reliable service to you.
AUTOMATED (ATM) BANKING
• FOLLOW the applicable general tips and “on the street” tips (above).
• HAVE your ATM card out and READY to use.
• If you are SUSPICIOUS of anything or anyone – cancel your transaction and leave immediately.
• AVOID ATM machines which are isolated or poor illuminated.
• NEVER allow strangers to assist you with your transaction.
• Keep your secret code to yourself and do not let anyone look over your shoulder whilst keying in your code.
• When your transaction is complete, secure your cash and move off immediately. You can count it later.
ON THE BEACH
• SWIM at beaches manned by LIFEGUARDS and between designated swimming beacons.
• AVOID bringing valuables to the beach.
• The African sun has dangerous levels of UV radiation – use a high factor sun protection cream.
• DO NOT take breakables (e.g. glass bottles) to the beach.
• AVOID mixing the use of alcohol and swimming.
VISITING TOURIST ATTRACTION
• PLAN your visits in advance. Get advice from your hotel or nearest local tourist information office.
• Where possible, use registered, qualified and recognized tourist guides and their recommended and transportation.
• Establish and practice the given protocol for visits to tourist attractions.
HOW TO REACT IN AN EMEGENCY
• DO NOT panic. THINK LATERALLY. Talk your way out of the situation.
• DO NOT resist unless you are absolutely sure that such resistance will lead to your escape.
• If circumstances dictate that you must resist, concentrate on noting the physical description and/or other notable features of your accoster.
• In a robbery/ hi-jacking situation – do as you are told. DO NOT ARGUE or challenge your accoster and do not look directly into hi/her eyes. Keep your hands still and visible. If you need to undo a seatbelt – ask first.
REMEMBER you can replace your valuables or a vehicle- but not your life.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY A MEMORABLE ONE - OBSERVE THE GUIDELINES ABOVE AND HAVE AN UNFORGETTABLE AND ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE IN OUR PROVINCE.
