A hundred extra policemen and -women are on the beat during the Festival this year and, apart from looking after the general safety of festival-goers and citizens, they will be paying special attention to drinking and driving, the selling of stolen property and counterfeit goods and drug-related offences.
A hundred extra policemen and -women are on the beat during the Festival this year and, apart from looking after the general safety of festival-goers and citizens, they will be paying special attention to drinking and driving, the selling of stolen property and counterfeit goods and drug-related offences.
Members from the Specialised Unit, The Mounted Unit, The Air Wing, The Dog Unit, the Explosive Unit and the Commercial Crimes Unit are out in full force to ensure "a safer and secure" 2011 National Arts Festival.
After a strategic meeting on Monday morning to discuss security for the 37th edition of Africa's premier festival, a statement from the Grahamstown Police Station Commander, Brigadier Morgan Govender, said the SAPS would be working closely with government departments and other stakeholders, such as the Departments of Social Development, Home Affairs, Justice, Provincial and local Traffic Department, Fire Department and local security companies, during the next two weeks.
But Grahamstown residents could rest assured that normal policing would not be affected in any way during the festival, Govender said. "Our local community will still have their cases investigated and where applicable taken to court," Govender said.
He said that special arrangements had been made with the Department of Justice to prioritise offences committed during this period, with special attention paid to drunk driving, selling of stolen property and counterfeit goods and drug-related offences.
Reporting festival crimes has been made easier, too. Apart from the police station, reporting points have been established at Church Square, the Monument, in High Street and on the Rhodes Great Field.
STAY SAFE THIS FESTIVAL
Captain Mali Govender, spokesperson for the Grahamstown SAPS, said everyone involved with the festival, in whatever capacity, should be alert during this period, because unfortunately this was a time when criminals took advantage. Govender offers the following tips for people attending the festival.
At your B&B * Report any suspicious objects or parcels to the personnel at reception; * Never leave your luggage unattended, unless it is locked away in your room; * Keep your room locked at all times; * If someone knocks on your door, ascertain who it is before you commit yourself to admitting them, and contact reception if you have any reason to be concerned; * Hand in your keys in whenever you leave; * Make sure that your luggage is given only to bell staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.
On the street * Avoid ostentatious display of jewellery, cameras, cellphones and other valuables * Keep handbags closed and guarded at all times; * Don't walk in isolated or dark places at night; * Don't ask directions from strangers. Rather ask the police, or personnel at information centres. * For a taxi or hotel, call the South African Tourism helpline at: 087 803 4636.
