Make safety top priority
Recent Bitou crime reports show an increase in various crimes including theft out of vehicles, burglaries, ATM scams and internet fraud.
Lisa Nagel of Plett.Watch, Plettenberg Bay's neighbourhood watch group, said any vehicle not locked up in a garage is vulnerable.
“Even if it is in your property, unless protected by beams. The only way to curb this is to ensure that there are no valuables in your car and that it is behind locked gates as far as possible," Nagel said.
She stated that home burglaries are an ongoing concern. "Again, I must emphasise that there are scouts looking for vulnerable properties and entry points all the time.
“The only way we can prevent this is by being acutely aware of our own safety and security. Security companies can provide us with all the tools and tricks to safeguard our properties and lives."
She said in recent weeks there have also been a few cases of home invasion. "This is a concern as it means the criminals are getting more brazen. If they are in your house, they more than likely will have some form of weapon used to gain entry and which can cause harm if they are confronted.
“Please make a concerted effort to secure yourself, and if not your whole property, at the very least your house and safe haven."
Nagel said a concerning incident recently occurred to a group of teenagers outside their property during the early evening.
"They were chatting and having fun when a criminal approached them, threatened them with a knife and stole a cellphone."
Nagel urged parents to remind their children to keep their phones hidden when out and about.
"If these kids had retaliated, it could have turned ugly. Please discuss personal safety with your children and make sure they are aware of what to do if they are approached by, or become a victim of criminals."