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Road safety and crime awareness have been stressed by the metro police, which will be out in full force with emergency management services over the summer.
AS the festive season draws near, people are urged to be more careful and vigilant, particularly when on the road during this period.
 Road users should take extra care, says MMC Matshidiso MfikoeThe Johannesburg metropolitan police department (JMPD) has some safety tips for Joburgers, pointing out that this time of year tends to be the busiest month, during which a large number of vehicle accidents occur and there is much crime.
To aid their safety, motorists should obey the rules of the road at all times; avoid using cellphones while driving; not leave car keys in the ignition when they are stationary; not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and not keep any valuable items such as laptops, bags or parcels locked in unattended cars.
“We would like to urge all users of all the Johannesburg roads and other facilities to take extra precautionary measures during the festive season and not to break the law,” says Matshidiso Mfikoe, the member of the mayoral committee for public safety.
“The JMPD officers, in partnership with the emergency management services [EMS], the South African Police Services [SAPS] and the Community Police Forums [CPF] will be working around the clock in an attempt to curtail crime as well as road fatalities.”
Police
She also pleads with community members to work hand-in-hand with the department of public safety, the police and the EMS to insure a safe and secure festive season and beyond.
JMPD officers will be out in full force to ensure the City’s by-laws not broken, and to ensure that residents, the business community, visitors and the City’s infrastructure is protected and is safe to be used at all times.
 EMS will be on high alertRegarding children, parents, guardians and caregivers should teach children to cross roads at pedestrian crossings and at traffic lights, where pedestrians have a right of way. A disturbing trend over the festive season is the number of children who go missing; it is advised that parents, guardians and caregivers know the whereabouts of their children at all times.
Children should also be taught not to engage with strangers.
JMPD has also urged business owners to keep copies of all their employees’ personal details and to install closed circuit television cameras or have security on their premises at all times.
Safety awareness is as important at home. People are advised to shut their doors and windows, and not let strangers on to the property. It is also important to double check credentials when employing domestic help.
According to JMPD, the importance of safety and precautionary measures cannot be over emphasized; safety is every person’s responsibility.
Wishing the public a safe and prosperous festive season, Mfikoe says the safety and security of residents during this period is of paramount importance to her department.
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