Following a news report on the BBC last night about crime in Cape Town, particularly focussing on gangsters and the underworld of drugs in Grassy Park I thought we’d share some safety advice for overseas travelers to our lovely City of Cape Town. Having worked myself on Fleet Street for a number of years and having been involved in the ‘headline’ decision making process I understand the reasons for this kind of journalism and unfortunately bad news sells but living and working in Cape Town and talking to ‘very proudly’ South Africans who really want this country to work I find it demoralizing that the BBC paint this picture on the day that the ticket allocation for the World Cup in 2010 is announced. An anticipated 500,000 soccer fans will be heading to South Africa for the greatest footballing show on Earth but now thanks to reports like this, the seed of doubt has been firmly planted. Yes, Cape Town can be a very dangerous place but so can any major World city.

So for those of you that still plan on visiting one of the top ten travel destinations in the World here’s some  safety advice from Cape Town Tourism:

1. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, carrying cameras or video cameras in plain sight and leaving belongings unattended. Heed the advice of your hosts, Cape Town Tourism visitor centre staff or locals on where to go after dark. Try not to walk alone, and take special precautions at lonely lookout points, especially at dusk or after dark.
2. Do not allow strangers to assist you in any way at ATMs.
3. Street children and beggars may approach you for a handout. Many social workers counsel against giving money to the children as it usually gets handed over to an older person or is used to purchase drugs. If you wish to do good, rather give food, donate your change to a registered charity, or ask Cape Town Tourism for advice.
4. At night, park in a secure, well-lit area.
5. Keep photocopies of all valuable documents in a safe place.

And here’s a couple of tips from us:

1. Take special care when driving. Use a map and plan your route before you leave. Keep your doors locked at all times and at traffic lights keep your windows up and all valuables out of site. Also make sure you have a cellphone that works and if possible call somebody to let them know your whereabouts and expected time of arrival.
2. If you’re planning on visiting an area talk to somebody first. Don’t go driving into Gugulethu by yourself!

And here’s some important phone numbers from Cape Town Tourism:

• All emergencies from your mobile phone: 112
• All emergencies from a landline: 107
• South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111