Fidelity Services Group urges Gqeberha residents to remain vigilant about personal security, following a spate of muggings and attacks along the beachfront area.

“We have noted an increase in beachfront muggings over the past few weeks and caution residents and holidaymakers to remain vigilant at all times,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing at Fidelity Services group

As the days get warmer, Gqeberha beaches will no doubt begin to fill up as we head toward Summer. Warmer weather and busier beaches unfortunately also come with a surge in criminal activities including muggings, theft, and even attacks in beachfront areas.

Hattingh shares the following safety tips to protect yourself and your belongings at the beachfront:

• Always be vigilant: Keep an eye out for suspicious individuals, as well as for any activity that looks or feels out of place and alert the nearest authorities or lifeguards if you do witness a crime.
• Lock it or leave it: It’s best to avoid bringing any expensive valuables, electronic devices, or to display fancy and expensive jewellery while on or around the beachfront areas. Be practical in what you pack, utilise beach bags that are able to securely lock, or leave your valuable possessions at home.
• Lock your car. When you park close to the beach, make sure your car is properly locked and all windows are closed. Do a quick check to see that no valuable items are visible to any passing pedestrians.
• Keep an eye on the kids. If you are in a group with youngsters, make sure you always know where they are. Most public beaches offer an “Identikidz” service which helps reunite lost children with their parents, thanks to an ID bracelet provided to all kids.
• Safety in numbers. There is a definite benefit to being among friends or acquaintances that can look out for one another. It means one person can look after the bags while the others go for a swim.

Fidelity Services Group, together with the South African Police Services (SAPS) and local Community Policing Forum (CPF) are working in partnership to conduct regular hotspot patrols in order to deter crime in these areas.

“There’s absolutely no reason to let would-be criminals put a damper on your beach time fun. Vigilance and situational awareness are your strongest weapon, along with a few key tips to safeguarding yourself, your family, and your belongings,” concludes Hattingh.