My Summer
DECEMBER 2020
05
YOUR GUIDE TO A PEACEFUL SEASON A
lthough the Overstrand is known for its relaxed and tranquil lifestyle, it does not mean that we are immune from crime. While everyone is in a festive mood and unwinding after a stressful year, criminals are hard at work trying their best to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Overstrand Law Enforcement said members of the public need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and ensure that they and their possessions are kept safe. This time of year sees an increase in opportunistic crimes in particular, such as break-ins through windows or doors that are left open, theft from motor vehicles and snatch-and-run robberies. “We want to caution everyone – pedestrians and patrons of restaurants and cafés especially – to pay constant attention to their surroundings and not to leave their valuables, particularly cellphones and purses, in plain sight. Snatchand-run robberies typically involve someone approaching from behind, grabbing something (your cellphone, your purse) and then running off before you can react,” said Law Enforcement in a statement. “All too often, we tend to text and
chat on our phones as we are walking along a pavement or while sitting in a coffee shop, oblivious to our surroundings. That is the ideal opportunity for criminals such as these to strike. Since our attention is focused elsewhere, we don’t see them coming.” People also need to be aware on the Cliff Paths and in the Fernkloof Nature Reserve, all very busy during the season. Fernkloof is a delight for avid hikers and nature lovers alike, with 60km of interlinked trails. Tourism Safety Monitors will be available to accompany hikers in the nature reserve on a complimentary basis from 08:00 – 16:00 on weekdays. Please make a reservation to walk with one of the guides by emailing infomanager@ hermanus.co.za or capewhalecoast@overstrand.gov.za. Fernkloof opening times in summer are from 06:00 to 19:00 and all visitors must please ensure that they keep to these times. Safety tips for Fernkloof: • Programme emergency numbers in your cellphone before your hike • Don’t hike alone • Allow yourself enough time
• Inform someone of your route and what time you expect to be back • Wear a hat or cap and sunblock in summer. Weather changes rapidly and unexpectedly • Stick to well-used contour paths • Always take enough water and food in case of a delay • Take a fully charged cellphone • A walking stick makes for an easier hike. These are available at the visitor’s centre on loan. Keeping our town clean To ensure a clean environment for everyone to enjoy this season, the municipality’s operational teams have been working around the clock so that all amenities are spick and span. Illegal dumping, however, remains one of the biggest challenges, despite the collection of household refuse at least once a week. Remember, refuse removal schedule days remain the same, regardless of public holidays. We appeal to all households to take excess refuse directly to the transfer stations to dispose of in the correct place and manner. Illegal dumping in and behind bushes can be a fire risk and residents are urged to think about and take
responsibility for their actions. Everyone has a part to play in cleaning the surrounding environment and keeping our municipal outdoor areas beautiful. The refuse collection schedule for HERMANUS is as follows: MONDAY: Vermont, Fisherhaven, Voëlklip • TUESDAY: Onrus, Chanteclair, Berghof, Sandbaai, Hemel-en-Aarde • WEDNESDAY: Zwelihle, Mount Pleasant • THURSDAY: Westcliff, Northcliff, houses in the CBD and Hermanus Industrial Area • FRIDAY: Hawston, Eastcliff, Hermanus Heights, Kwaaiwater, Fernkloof
MONDAY: Rooi Els, Kleinmond Sea Avenues, Kleinmond Mountain Avenues, Klein Berlyn, Heuningkloof • TUESDAY: Proteadorp, Overhills, Mountain View, Extension 6, Palmiet, Sunny Seas • WEDNESDAY: Betty’s Bay, Mooiuitsig • THURSDAY: Pringle Bay 24-HOUR BASIC SERVICES EMERGENCIES: 028 313 8111 Issues such as burst water pipes, potholes, street lights, vandalism, etc. 24-HOUR FIRE & RESCUE EMERGENCIES: 028 312 2400 For fire, flood, accident or medical emergencies.
The refuse collection schedule for GANSBAAI is as follows: MONDAY: Pearly Beach • TUESDAY: De Kelders, Masakhane, Beverly Hills • WEDNESDAY: Franskraal • THURSDAY: Kleinbaai, Baardskeerdersbos • FRIDAY: Gansbaai, Perlemoen Bay, Masakhane, Beverly Hills
24-HOUR SAFETY & SECURITY SERVICES: 028 313 8980 Disaster management, security services and safety issues.
The refuse collection schedule for STANFORD is as follows: TUESDAY: North of De Bruyn Street • THURSDAY: South of De Bruyn Street
Day-to-day complaints, such as barking dogs, illegal dumping, vagrants, etc.
The refuse collection schedule for HANGKLIP-KLEINMOND is as follows:
LAW ENFORCEMENT COMPLAINTS: 028 313 8996 (office hours are from 07:45 – 16:30)
When reporting an incident, please state clearly at what address the incident took place and also supply a contact number. Provide as much information as you can.
