Grahamstown police reported that about 50 additional police officers and 37 volunteers will be deployed daily to concentrate specifically on ensuring a safe and secure National Arts Festival for 2013.
Grahamstown police reported that about 50 additional police officers and 37 volunteers will be deployed daily to concentrate specifically on ensuring a safe and secure National Arts Festival for 2013.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said normal policing will not be affected in any way.
"Our local community will still have their cases being investigated and, where applicable, taken to court," she said.
The deployments will include members from specialised units, such as the Mounted Unit, the Air Wing, Dog Unit, Explosives Unit and Commercial Crime.
Govender said the police will be working closely with government departments and local stakeholders including the Department of Sports Recreation Arts and Culture, Social Development, Home Affairs, Makana Municipality, the Justice Department, provincial and local Traffic Departments and the Fire Department, as well as local security companies.
Govender said special attention would be given to drunk driving, selling of stolen property and counterfeit items, as well as drug-related offences.
"Special arrangements have been made with the Department of Justice to prioritise festival crimes," she said.
Grahamstown acting cluster commander Brigadier Morgan Govender said in order to make it easier for visitors to report any serious incidents, six Venue Operational Centres will be placed at the Settlers Monument, the Village Green, High Street, Church Square, Fiddler's Green and at the Fingo Festival.
Govender said the crimes most commonly recorded at previous festivals were petty theft, theft out of motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles, housebreaking and fraud scams.
