Police increase visibility

GEORGE NEWS - From the beginning until the middle of December, police will be concentrating on areas where schools are closing for the holidays, welcoming holidaymakers into our area and adjusting police activity accordingly.

This is according to Eden Cluster Commander, Major-General Oswald Reddy.

This forms part of phase two of the police's annual five-phase Safer Festive Season Campaign that kicked off in October.

"Phase three starts on 16 December with maximum deployment and increased visibility. This includes deployment of the Cluster Crime Combating Team (CCCT) that was recently re-established, as well as joint operations between us and various crime-combating role players such as local and provincial traffic, law enforcement, home affairs, neighbourhood watches, the liquor authority and more," he said during a media briefing on Monday morning, 2 December. Police visibility will also be increased at shopping malls and ATMs.

"This year we have 18 neighbourhood watches that will be deployed in our hotspot areas as well as community patrollers on beaches and other hotspots.

"As we get closer to phase three, we will intensify the number of roadblocks being held as well as performing tri-lateral operations with the Eastern and Northern Cape to aid in fighting drug trafficking. We want our visitors and residents to be safe during this period. We are geared up and all plans are in place," said Reddy. He said that the abuse and misuse of alcohol remain a serious concern and warned that people should be vigilant and cautious. "People under the influence of alcohol are generally more likely to become victims of crime or tragedy as they are less vigilant."

Provincial traffic ready

The provincial traffic team in George also started with their Festive Season Operational Plan in October (Transport Month).

"Our operational plan includes focusing on schools closing for the holiday, Transport Month, industry closures, long weekends, as well as various interprovincial events. It has been aligned to the National 365 road safety calendar as well as the Western Cape traffic law enforcement tactical plan. We will also be working closely with other provinces to address road traffic offences jointly," said Quinton Williams, George Provincial Traffic chief. Upon enquiry to the municipal traffic department, communications officer Debra Sauer responded that they will have a Safer Festive Season campaign. By the time of going to print the venue had not been confirmed.

The provincial traffic tactical plan includes:

Anti-alcohol operations;
Driver and vehicle fitness;
Public transport operations;
Moving violations (any violation of the law committed by the driver of a vehicle while it is in motion);
Pedestrian safety on freeway and areas dangerous for pedestrians;
High visibility patrols;
Special operations with other operational partners;
Special focus on pedestrian safety and emphasis on cyclists and motorcyclists