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Brits – The Brits Cluster Commander Brigadier Johan Marx would love to wish everyone a merry Christmas and jovial fes-tive holidays with members of the South African Police Service in Brits Cluster and the community at large. He asked people to drink responsibly and to refrain from consuming liquor if they will be driving because this may lead to accidents on the road. Marx said the Brits Cluster was provincial rated the best

therefore like to thank and recognise the relationship that the police had with the community because the police alone can-not eliminate crime in the communities. “This is the reason the engagement of Community Policing Forums are of high impor-

The brigadier said the Festive season is a hectic time when people are visiting families in different corners of the country and some of the houses will be left vacant. He therefore gave a few tips on how to safeguard these houses:1. A high fence around the house with lockable gates is

much safer than a high wall due to the advantage of the improved visibility it provides.

2. The primary aim of the fence is to make access/intru-

house.3. Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the

keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled.

4. Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door -

ommended.5. An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed re-

sponse company, can act as an effective deterrent. 6. In the rural environment a siren/alarm on the roof that can

be heard over a long distance and that can be activated by means of a switch/panic button in the house, is recom-mended.

7. A few switches/panic buttons should preferably be in-stalled in different rooms of the house.

8. An alarm must also have the capability to warn the oc-cupants of any intrusion into the house.

9. Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding.

10. The lights must be directed away from the house and must allow the occupants to use the windows without be-ing observed from outside and be aware of possible shad-ows and blind spots.

prosperous New Year.

“Merry Christmas and be safe”

Police out to ensure safetyThe police in the province are geared to en-sure that communities in the province are safe through various operations, according to Col. Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson. “In order to ensure safety and meeting the de-mands of policing, operations are underway in various parts of the province including, Ma-hikeng, Rustenburg and Vryburg. This is done to ensure that communities are and feel safe considering the festive season activities that are currently taking place. The police will be out in numbers together with other role-players

Mokgwabone said the community is requested

during the operations that will run through the festive month to ensure that people enjoy their holidays. He urged people to take precautionary mea-sures and apply the following safety hints:

People should avoid carrying a lot of cash during shopping.If you intend making a large purchase, consider asking someone to accompany you. Parking areas may pose a security risk as shoppers are preoccupied with loading

goods into their cars to notice suspicious persons.Avoid placing your wallet or handbag on a car seat or on the roof while loading gro-ceries. Ensure the safety and security of your possessions when visiting restrooms.

ATM SecurityMemorise your pin so that you do not have to write it down.If you think that the ATM is not working, cancel the transaction immediately and try to use another one.Always concentrate and keep your eyes on the screen when you are at an ATM and be cautious of help from strangers.Avoid using an ATM if it looks like the card slot, keypad or screen had been tampered with.Report any suspicious persons to the po-

Mokgwabone warned that residents who will be leaving their houses should not leave them unoccupied. People should ask a relative or any other trusted and known person to take care of the house. They should also inform their neighbours about their absence.

Brigadier Johan Marx (Brits Cluster Commander)

Festive safety tipsPhokeng - Phokeng Police Station has offered the following security tips to keep residents of the Greater Rustenburg’s homes and vehicles safe from be-ing broken into as they celebrate the holiday season.Const. Kabele Phetabosigo, police spokesperson, said following these steps can help to ensure everyone has a great time preparing for the festivities.He advised people to refrain from leaving attractively wrapped or unwrapped presents and groceries in their vehicles. “After shopping, place your purchas-es in the boot of your car as soon as possible. Avoid leaving shopping bags or

Phetabosigo cautioned people to be watchful for suspicious persons. “Be vigilant. There are individuals who attempt to gain access to private identity number (PIN) at the ATM machines, or follow shoppers and watch them place

He also said people should secure cheque books, wallets, bank cards and cash as these items are prime theft targets. “Keep your money out of view and

Finally, he asked people to be aware of suspicious people soliciting money for