With the festive season fast approaching, the Sea Point police have urged residents and visitors to the area to be alert and avoid becoming the victims of crime.
Police say with more visitors frequenting the area, opportunistic crimes become more prevalent.
Capt Cyril Dicks, a spokesperson for the Sea Point Police Station, says: “The area has become more attractive due to the summer that has arrived and big events which are being held in our area. Crime with regard to robberies and theft out of motor vehicles has shown an increase.”
Dicks encourages visitors to be responsible.
“We still find vehicles that are parked, having valuables visible inside the vehicle, parked in the streets. Valuables should be taken inside with you at all times. Also be aware of the fact that when you stop and then only put the attractive belongings in the boot, you are still at risk of your vehicle being broken into because ‘someone’ is watching you at all times.”
The officer says walkers, runners and restaurant goers should be particularly more alert.
“Our robberies have also shown an increase due to visitors and community members frequenting the wonderful promenade for walks and restaurants for which the Sea Point area is known. However, residents and visitors are requested to not walk alone wherever possible.
“Leave your most expensive jewellery at home if possible when going for a fresh-air walk.”
Dicks says people should always be aware of their surroundings and inform a loved one of their whereabouts.
“Sea Point police are committed to serving this community and continue a 24/7 crime prevention approach to keep the Sea Point area safe at all times.”
The City of Cape Town’s official destination marketing organisation, Cape Town Tourism, has also cautioned visitors to exercise vigilance.
Enver Duminy, Chief Executive Officer of Cape Town Tourism (CTT), says they are anticipating a “bumper festive season”, especially with Cape Town being a popular holiday destination.
“Accompanied by a high return visitor rate, it’s imperative that we continue to ensure that safety is a key priority and show that the city cares for its visitors.”
Led by CTT, various tourism industry bodies, including the police, Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID), South African National Parks (SANParks) and Consular Generals came together to identify safety trends and to discuss solutions to ensure public safety.
“With our tourism industry bodies, including police and the CCID on the ground, we facilitate year-round programmes focusing on the prevention of tourist and visitor safety incidents through community, stakeholder and enforcement engagements, and implement the use of technology to ensure a safer Cape Town.”
Vos says with the help of the provincial government, they have already deployed 1 000 extra law enforcement officers focused on the 11 crime hotspots in the city.
Vos says: “We will invest in even more law enforcement officers, and equipment, and vehicles to make every Capetonian feel safer.
“With our tourism industry bodies, including police and the CCID on the ground, we facilitate year-round programmes focusing on the prevention of tourist and visitor safety incidents through community, stakeholder and enforcement engagements, and implement the use of technology to ensure a safer Cape Town.”
Vos says with the help of the provincial government, they have already deployed 1 000 extra law enforcement officers focused on the 11 crime hotspots in the city.
“We will focus single-mindedly on growing the economy so that more people can get into work and out of poverty while working around the clock to attract more visitors with clever campaigns and travel connections.”
Brett Hendricks, chair of CTT, highlights the importance of local and international visitors feeling confident when visiting Cape Town.
“We believe that tools and protocols should be in place in order to give our visitors that reassurance that they can visit attractions and experiences knowing their safety is our top precedence.
“Since the pandemic, we as a tourism industry have had to work hard to rebuild the sector and one of those key priorities includes making sure that we keep our visitors, communities, friends, and family safe.”
- Dicks says the Sea Point police can be contacted on 021 430 3700 or contact the police emergency number 10111.
