admin
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Matabeleland South Bureau Chief
POLICE in Matabeleland South have urged residents that will be travelling over the festive season to place their houses under police supervision as part of strategies to combat crime and avoid loss of property.
The festive season is usually characterised by an increase in criminal activities such as theft and burglary.
Robbers take advantage of the absence of people who travel over the festive season to break into their homes and steal property.
In an interview yesterday, acting provincial police spokesperson for Matabeleland South Assistant Inspector Thandolwenkosi Moyo said people have to utilise the “house under supervision” strategy.
Under the strategy, police conduct surveillance and monitor the houses of residents who would have engaged or notified them of their absence.
“Since we are now approaching the festive season, as police we have come up with a number of strategies to help combat crime. One of the strategies is the house under supervision tactic,” said Asst Insp Moyo.
“Under this strategy we urge people intending to embark on journeys during the holiday period and leaving their houses unattended to visit the police community relations and liaison office where they can complete forms listing the inventory.”
Asst Insp Moyo when conducting their patrols, police will also be monitoring those homes.
“When people leave their homes they should also implement target hardening and target removing. Here we are saying that people have to close all windows, close curtains and lock all doors,” he said.
“They must also remove gadgets and other small valuables from the vicinity so that it becomes difficult for thieves to easily reach them.”
Asst Insp Moyo said they will intensify foot, cycle, canine, mounted units and motorised patrols.
“We will be mainly targeting crime hotspots such as night clubs and cocktail bars. We will also conduct stop and searches targeting drug dealers and people carrying dangerous weapons such as knives, machetes and axes,” he said.
“We have recorded a number of cases where people drug teenage girls during parties and go on to sexually abuse them. We also urge parents and guardians to take extra care of the girl child.”
Asst Insp Moyo warned parents and guardians against allowing children to visit dangerous spaces.
“Let’s also be careful about who we leave our children with so that they are not victimised,” he said.
Asst Insp Moyo urged motorists to desist from using unregistered and faulty vehicles to avoid accidents.
“Motorists have to desist from overloading, speeding, drinking while driving and crossing flooded rivers. In the rural areas we usually record an increase in assault cases during the festive season as a result of social gatherings,” he said.
Asst Insp Moyo also urged business owners to safeguard their valuables at all times.
“Business people should desist from carrying around large sums of money and operating beyond working hours to avoid being targeted by robbers,” said the police spokesperson. – @DubeMatutu
Online Reporter