Contact crimes under spotlight as Northern Cape police issue safety warning

WITH contact crimes still plaguing communities across the Northern Cape, the police have sounded the alarm – urging residents to be vigilant, streetwise, and prepared.

In a province where nights out can turn into nightmares, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has rolled out a fresh set of practical safety tips aimed at curbing the surge in violent offences, including robbery, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

“Know your limits, be aware of your surroundings, and never let your guard down,” Northern Cape police spokesperson Sergeant Timothy Sam warned in a statement released this week, adding that awareness remains the public’s best defence against becoming a statistic.

Before heading out, the police recommend planning your route carefully — always choose a familiar, well-lit path and avoid secluded shortcuts. Make sure your phone is fully charged, your keys are within easy reach, and you have enough cash or a working transport card in case of emergency. Keep an emergency contact on speed dial and consider installing the MySAPS App for quick access to emergency services and reporting tools.

Once you’re out and about, SAPS advises sticking with friends and using the buddy system — especially when leaving venues or heading to the bathroom in public spaces. Walking alone in poorly lit or quiet areas should be avoided. Flashy jewellery, smartphones, or other valuables should be kept out of sight, as they can attract opportunistic criminals. And no matter how friendly someone may seem, never accept drinks or lifts from strangers.

Being aware of your alcohol intake is also key. While it’s fine to enjoy yourself, excessive drinking can impair your judgement and memory — which becomes especially important if you need to recall details in the event of a crime. Drinks should never be left unattended, as they could be tampered with and leave you vulnerable to assault or drink spiking.

Trusting your instincts can be lifesaving. If something feels off, act immediately — leave the area, alert someone, or call for help. Knowing some self-defence techniques or carrying a personal alarm can provide an added sense of safety. If you witness anything suspicious or become a victim yourself, use your phone to record details such as number plates, time stamps, or descriptions. A quick photo, voice note, or draft message could prove invaluable.

Before entering your car or home, take a moment to scan your surroundings. Don’t fumble for your keys at the last minute — have them ready before you reach the door. If your keys have been stolen, SAPS urges you to change your locks immediately.

If you find yourself in a dangerous situation or have been attacked, scream, shout, and make as much noise as possible to draw attention. Call the police immediately on 10111. If you've been a victim of a violent crime, it’s crucial not to shower or change clothes, as this can destroy vital evidence. Report everything you can remember to the police — no matter how small the detail may seem.

The police are also urging anyone in abusive or toxic relationships to get out and seek help. Emotional, physical, and financial abuse are serious forms of crime, and victims should not feel ashamed to speak out. Assistance is available through the Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150, and crimes can also be reported anonymously using the MySAPS app.

This isn’t about fear — it’s about being smart, prepared, and safe. The goal is to prevent crime before it happens and to ensure help is within reach when it does.

⚠️ Streetwise and Safe: Your Contact Crime Survival Guide

BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT

• Plan your route: Choose the most direct, familiar path and avoid secluded shortcuts.
• Keys at the ready: Don’t get caught fumbling — have your keys in hand before you arrive at your car or home.
• Cash for a quick exit: Always keep enough money or a charged transport card in case of emergency.
• Charge your phone: A flat battery won’t help you in a crisis — ensure your phone is powered before you leave.
• Emergency contact on speed dial: Make sure a trusted friend or family member is just one tap away.
• Use the MySAPS app: Report crimes, locate the nearest police station, and access emergency numbers quickly.

WHEN YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT

• Buddy up: Never leave a venue alone or go to the bathroom solo — especially after dark.
• Bright lights, safer nights: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid dark alleys or isolated spots.
• Stranger danger: Don’t accept drinks or lifts from people you don’t know — no matter how friendly they seem.
• Guard your drink: Never leave your drink unattended to avoid being drugged or spiked.
• Stay sober enough to stay safe: Know your limits — excessive drinking clouds judgement and weakens your memory.
• Don’t flaunt it: Keep valuables out of sight — jewellery, phones, and flashy accessories attract criminals.
• Trust your gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Leave the situation immediately.

STAY ALERT AND EQUIPPED

• Be armed — with knowledge: Enrol in self-defence classes or carry a personal alarm.
• Keep your phone handy: Use it to snap photos, record number plates, or leave a voice note if you witness something.
• Check your surroundings: Before getting into your car or unlocking your front door, take a moment to scan the area.
• Avoid physical confrontations: Don’t get involved in fights — call the police instead.
• Document everything: If you see or experience something, record the details — date, time, appearance, vehicle plates. A voice note or draft text works in a pinch.

IF THINGS GO WRONG

• Get help fast: Scream, shout, make noise — draw attention and call 10111 or your nearest station immediately.
• Don’t clean up evidence: If you’ve been attacked, don’t shower or change clothes before getting medical and police assistance.
• Change your locks: If your keys are stolen or lost, update your locks without delay.
• Ditch toxic relationships: If you're being abused — emotionally, physically, or financially — get out and get help.
• Reach out for support: Call the Stop Gender Violence Helpline on 0800 150 150 or report GBV-related crimes through the MySAPS app.

* For more local safety tips, news updates, and emergency alerts, follow the DFA online and on social media.