| Safety at night and on the streets | Safety at night and on the streets | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Safety%20at%20night%20and%20on%20the%20streets%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClassCB0648BD4A434E08BB1C56A67599DD54"><p>Walking the streets is one of the best ways to explore and enjoy Cape Town. It can, however, become dangerous in some areas or at night. It is best that you are aware of basic safety precautions to make sure your trip to our beautiful city is filled only with great memories.</p></div> | <h2 class="sectHeading">Give responsibly </h2><p>Within the City Bowl, you may encounter a number of street people who may approach you for money. </p><p>By supporting begging, you encourage destitute people to avoid social assistance and to choose a life on the street. While many are genuinely destitute and are looking for help, giving a hand-out perpetuates aggressive begging, substance abuse, the presence of children on the streets and chronic homelessness.</p><p>If you wish to support a street person, donate to a registered homeless shelter. The Western Cape Government keeps a
<a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/847" target="_blank">database of registered homeless shelters<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>. You can also contact the City’s toll-free number on
<em><a>0800 872 201</a></em> to ask how to assist street people. </p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
<i class="info remember"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Remember</h4><p>Please be aware of your personal belongings if you are approached by any stranger within the City Bowl.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Be wary of thieves</h2><p>As with all big cities across the world, thieves and criminals working the streets often target tourists, knowing that they are a ‘softer’ target than locals and often likely to carry valuables like cameras and money.</p><div class="notification with-heading white-copy blue bg-navy"><div class="graphic no-border">
<i class="info safe"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?</h4><p>
<b>A safe city: </b>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Metropolitan%20Police%20Services%20Department">Metropolitan Police Service’s</a> SSU (Strategic Surveillance Unit) monitors 560 cameras throughout Cape Town, 24 hours a day, seven days a week</p></div></div><p>
<strong>In order to stay safe and keep your possessions safe at all times, you should:</strong></p><ul><li>keep your bags and purses closed;</li><li>keep your money and cellphones in front pockets or places that are difficult for others to reach;</li><li>never leave your purse or cellphone on a table where you are seated;</li><li>never leave your bags unattended; and</li><li>try not to explore the city alone.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Safety at night</h2><p>
<strong>The nightlife in Cape Town is vibrant and is a popular attraction in the city. You can stay safe at night by:</strong></p><ul><li>not drinking and driving;</li><li>not bringing unnecessary valuables with you;</li><li>not walking or driving down dark alleyways or deserted roads;</li><li>being aware of strangers around you;</li><li>keeping your valuables out of sight; and</li><li>using an official taxi service and not taking lifts with strangers.</li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Cape Town Tourism – visitor safety support</h2><p> Cape Town Tourism offers a safety and support service for visitors. The service operates 24 hours, seven days a week and is free to all travellers. This service includes: </p><p>
<b>Administrative support</b></p><ul><li>Connecting you to embassies and consulates</li><li>Assisting with language</li><li>Assisting with legal processes</li><li>Assisting with replacement documents (e.g. flight tickets)</li></ul><p>
<b>Practical and emotional support</b></p><ul><li>Trauma counselling</li><li>Getting you to hospitals or getting medical treatment</li><li>Help finding short-term accommodation</li><li>Help with contacting family or friends</li><li>Facilitating transport arrangements</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border">
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<i class="info note"></i><strong> </strong></div><div class="desc"><h4>
<strong>Please note</strong></h4><p>
<strong></strong>Our visitor safety service doesn't offer financial assistance, replacement of lost items, compensation for losses of any kind, direct medical attention, or legal advice. </p></div></div><p>If you need support and advice or have suggestions, please contact Cape Town Tourism using the details below. </p><h4>Cape Town Tourism Visitor Support </h4><p>
<em>Telephone:</em><br><em><a>021 487 6800</a></em></p><p>
<em>Email:</em><br><em><a>sonya@capetown.travel</a></em><br></p> | | GP0|#508f931c-3b1e-4a31-afd9-1b01c4a23c8d;L0|#0508f931c-3b1e-4a31-afd9-1b01c4a23c8d|Safety at night and on the streets;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#0a4bd5be-45ba-4f29-9467-09eaac3d8884;GPP|#bdeab521-3d99-4e61-8a9d-b298f4037b2a;GPP|#c529c1ac-1f8d-48ae-8079-d34f4dae9c57;GP0|#d37df32b-8e5a-4286-8a03-23a7c1153ced;L0|#0d37df32b-8e5a-4286-8a03-23a7c1153ced|Safety at night and on the streets;GPP|#5304393b-2d4f-4ade-9667-f7f72a15928f;GPP|#36dcb5fe-6bfc-4ae9-92d7-8bd08d1f6414;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#c27d0042-f53e-4f3a-88e2-44b81d2f2efa;L0|#0c27d0042-f53e-4f3a-88e2-44b81d2f2efa|Safety at night and on the streets;GPP|#4e24a9e3-0ea2-46ba-a192-615c4c57f93d;GPP|#df0a3405-0ca1-4617-8047-15a034219fee;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Simple tips and precautions for staying safe on Cape Town’s streets. | |
