Safety and Cleaning Tips

On the Street

Do not wear flashy and visible jewellery.
Be cautious with your valuables, e.g. camera or laptop.
Do not walk and talk on your cellphone.
Do not place your handbag, briefcase, or shopping bags on the pavements.
If you have been pickpocketed, take note of the criminals’ shoes. In many cases, pickpocketers steal an item, and then appear again later with different clothes – but in most cases the shoes are the same.
Be aware of the persons around you.
Avoid over-crowded ATMs, pavements, or stores.
Avoid isolated, dark places.
Use credit and debit cards where possible and only carry small amounts of cash.
Encourage visitors to get advice from their hotel before embarking on foot or for details of safe and reliable public transport.
Store all emergency numbers on your cellphone, so it can be easily accessible when needed.
Do not disclose any personal information to people who you have just met.

Always know where you are going; keep all doors locked and if necessary leave your windows open about 5 cm.
Don’t use your cellphone while driving and, with caution, if you have a ‘hands free kit’.
Never pick up hitchhikers or offer strangers a ride in your vehicle.
Lock all valuables in your boot and don’t cover your handbag, cellphone, or laptop with a jacket or towel.
Be vigilant when stopping at traffic lights and observe pedestrians, especially those who are walking between vehicles at intersections.
If possible have ‘Smash and Grab’ protection fitted to your windows.
If you are lost or need information, look out for a uniformed policeman or for a UIP Crime Monitor in their bright orange uniforms.

Display your Shop Theft Policy boldly on your windows and inside your store.
Train your staff to be attentive and alert.
Keep valuable merchandise under lock and key and away from store exits.
Monitor and update your internal security.

Be careful when using ATM’s as the SAPS warns of a device that is being used by criminals to card swap at exceptional speed. Do not be distracted by anything or anybody when drawing money!
Do not leave valuables lying around on car seats or in full view of criminals.
When going to swim, do not leave goods unattended or bury them in the sand. There are unknown criminals all around watching for an opportunity.
Do not hide your car keys under rocks or anywhere on the beach. Thieves do not need to make an effort to steal your car, but just drive off with it.
Ensure that vehicle doors are locked and windows are fully closed.
If you are using your cell phone to take pictures, do so quickly and by observing your surroundings. If you are using a standard camera, make sure the straps are secure around your neck to avoid snatching.
Don’t make yourself a target by standing out – blend in with the crowd.
Do not bring large groups of children to the beach, unless you have sufficient child-minders. This not only leads to lost children, but danger in the water.
Parents, watch your kids at all times.
If you feel uncomfortable in an area – leave!
Do not argue with a criminal during a hijacking or theft.
Try to remain calm at all times.
Report crime.

Restaurants and food outlets should provide visible refuse bins, with bin liners in and near their premises and insist that patrons use them.
Visible signage should be displayed in restaurants and stores to educate customers about litter.
Traders and shop owners must discard waste correctly.
Do not throw litter from your cars, your premises or on the street.
If you witness someone littering, do not hesitate to point them to the nearest litter bin.