It's easy to get caught up in the sights and experiences that arrive in town with the National Arts Festival, but locals and visitors are warned against getting caught up in the surge of crime that arrives with them.
It's easy to get caught up in the sights and experiences that arrive in town with the National Arts Festival, but locals and visitors are warned against getting caught up in the surge of crime that arrives with them.
According to a press release from Festival organisers, a total of 200 771 people attended different events last year, but even more are expected in the upcoming weeks. PR consultant Gilly Hemphill said pre-Festival ticket sales are higher than they were last year, so it's likely that more visitors will be in town.
But an increase in population is often connected to a decrease in safety.
In the past, Hi-Tec Security assistant manager Kenny Knoetze said the company has encountered incidents ranging from petty to violent during the Festival.
He also said it's harder to catch crooks during this time because the more people there are milling around town, the more unfamiliar faces there are.
Festival-goers are especially at risk, Knoetze said, because many don't activate their alarms or bother to learn security codes at the places they stay at.
He suspects that criminals will also be more brazen because they know that if they get caught, they probably won't be prosecuted because visitors don't want to deal with going to court.
He suggests that visitors lock away their valuables and arm alarm systems before leaving their accommodation.
A police media statement said that 100 extra officers will be deployed during Festival and people can expect to see them on foot, horseback and patrolling in vehicles.
Any suspicious activity can be reported to them at temporary stations to be set up at Church Square, the 1820 Settlers' Monument, Fiddler's Green, High Street and Rhodes University’s Great Field.
Those residing on the Rhodes University campus are protected by the Campus Protection Unit.
The following tips have been issued by Grahamstown police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender to ensure a pleasant and safe National Arts Festival.
At your accommodation
- – Report any suspicious, unattended luggage or parcels to the personnel at reception
- – Never leave your luggage unattended unless it is locked away in your room
- – Store valuables in the safety deposit box.
- – Keep your room locked.
- – If someone knocks at your door, check who it is before opening. Contact reception if you have any reason for concern
- – Hand your keys in whenever you leave
- – Make sure that luggage is only given to staff and a receipt is issued for stored luggage.
- In a restaurant
- – Don't leave your handbag on the floor or hanging on a chair.
- On the Street
- – Avoid any ostentatious display of expensive jewellery, cameras, mobile phones and other valuables
- – Keep your handbag with you, keep it closed or zipped and do not leave it unattended
- – Keep your mobile phone with you and do not leave it unattended
- – Avoid carrying large sums of cash with you
- – Exchange your currency at a bank or at the hotel – never exchange it on the street
- – Carry your wallet in an inside pocket – never in the rear pocket of your trousers
- – Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence
- – At night stay away from dark, isolated areas
- – It is always better to explore in groups and to stick to well-lit, busy streets
- – Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers
- – A police officer or traffic officer will be happy to direct you if you get lost.
In your car
- – Plan your route in advance
- – Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times
- – Do not leave your mobile phone or other valuables where they are visible from outside the vehicle
- – Lock valuable items in the boot (trunk) before your departure
- – At night park in well-lit areas
- – Never pick up strangers or hitch-hikers
- – Before leaving your vehicle, ensure that it is properly locked, as several cases have been reported where criminals use garage remotes to corrupt vehicle security systems.
Avoid traffic with the Hopper
The Festival Hopper Service makes it easy to get around Grahamstown during the Festival. The Hoppers run frequently throughout the day until 1am at the affordable rate of R5 a trip. This will alleviate the frustration of finding a parking as well as avoiding traffic jams.
Informal business deals
Don't become a victim of advance fee fraud, known as ‘419 letter scams’. When considerING whether or not to enter into a business transaction with foreigners who reside in South Africa, check their credentials or business information to establish whether the business exists and is legitimate.
Grahamstown SAPS contact numbers: 10111 / 046 603 9147 / 046 603 9152 / 046 603 9146.
A 24-hour officer is also on standby: 082 779 7119.
