As millions of visitors begin to flow in the City over the busy festive season and New Year’s period, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) has urged people to be extra vigilant, especially when in the City CBD. This is to avoid becoming the victim of theft or other crimes, during a period where criminals are expected to be particularly active.

Communications and Marketing manager at the CCID, Carola Koblitz, said that with an influx of people expected during the festive season, most would be in too much of a joyous and festive mood to consider crime as a probability.

“It is just really important that people be sensible. 99.9% of the time, people just need to be aware of their surroundings,” she said.

In a bid to assist visitors and Cape Town natives in this regard, the CCID will be rolling out a poster campaign across the CBD, titled the ‘Stash It Don’t Flash It Campaign’. The essence of this initiative would be to urge people to keep their belongings on them at all times, and to avoid leaving them unattended or out in the open.

“For men for example, they often walk around with their cellphones and their wallets in their back pocket. Just be aware of it. Just going that extra mile to be a little bit sensible about your personal belongings and your presence on the street, will keep you so much safer,” she said.

The CCID will also be working together with City law enforcements in a bid to beef up security in the area. Koblitz said their security staff would be easily recognizable by their black attire, and green bib with the CCID logo highlighted very clearly in yellow.

“They are there not just when an emergency happens. We encourage the public to treat them as ambassadors. Even if you are looking for directions around town, our guys would be so willing to help,” she said.

She also urged people to be mindful when encountering beggars or vagrants in the CBD, especially since begging was not illegal, and many were being hit hard by the tough economic times. However in the case of aggressive begging, she said this was when public safety officers would come into play. Should such an incident occur, she urged people to get into contact with officers, who would be able to accompany the person to their chosen destination.

The CCID also has several mobile kiosks within the CBD, which locals and visitors can use for informational purposes.

They will also be deploying extra security personnel during the festive period, particularly on Christmas and New Years Eve.

For more information or assistance, contact the CCID control centre number at 082 415 7127. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)