Keep your long weekend visitors safe
The Port Alfred Community Policing Forum appeals to all Port Alfred residents who will be entertaining visitors over the next two long weekends to ensure their visitors know how to prevent opportunistic crime, as well as avoid other risks in the coastal town.
Coming up next weekend are the Bathurst Agricultural Show, and the Kenton Wine Festival.
The following weekend is the Port Alfred Easter Festival featuring street markets and lots of activity on the beach, on the river and at sports grounds across Port Alfred.
There is plenty to look forward to but one slip of complacency can sour things very quickly.
All local security companies, the SAPS and the CPF will be patrolling and visible during these events; but the need for awareness starts when visitors arrive at your home or B&B: where there are events, and tourists, there will also be opportunistic criminals.
That means it’s the duty of owners, managers and staff of guest houses, hotels and B&Bs to speak to their guests when they arrive, and make sure they know how to minimise their risk of becoming victims of crime.
Here is some advice you can give them to start with:
YOUR CAR
Park in a well-lit area or, preferably, in a secured space or garage;
Do not leave anything visible inside your vehicle and don’t use it to store valuable items, even if they are out of sight;
Before leaving your car, pull the door handle to check it is locked (remote car-jammers operate in busy areas).
ON THE STREET
Don’t give money to unaccredited purported car guards rather donate to any charity (the Sunshine Life Centre, at 073-897-9179, can refer you to one);
Carry your valuables close, in front, not in a back pocket;
Don’t use your cellphone out on the street: rather find a secure spot to call from.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
Check with your host what alarm and other security protocols you need to be responsible for;
Don’t leave valuables where they can be seen through a window;
Find out where it is safe to leave your valuables and cash while you are out and about in the town or at the beach.
AT THE BEACH
Avoid walking alone at isolated sections of the beaches;
Only swim when there is a lifeguard on duty, and only swim between the lifeguard’s flags;
Never swim alone; Never swim when you are under the influence of alcohol or other substances that can impair your judgment and coordination;
Before you go to the beach, find out when there are going to be extra-high tides, or spring tides, and if there are any extreme weather warnings;
Know what a rip current is and what to do if you find yourself in one watch this video: https://bit.ly/RipCurrentsPA
Ask everyone in your family or group to save the NSRI number on their phone: 082990-5971, and make sure they know the general emergency number to dial from a mobile phone: 112.
Let’s make Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast a great destination to visit.
For more information about the CPF, or if you would like to join it, please call Justin Simpson at 074-117-2809; Jane le Roux at 083-327-3016; Mike Hoskin at 072-441-7896; or Alec McKerrow at 082-878-3203.