Claremont police promote safety awareness at Kiddies Paradise preschool

Claremont police and the Claremont Community Policing Forum (CPF) raised safety awareness for the children at the Kiddies Paradise preschool in Kenilworth on Wednesday June 4.

Warrant Officer Lutchmee Chetty and Sergeant Amanda Sheleni from the Claremont police gave the children safety tips, including how to avoid strangers and who to call for help. They also showed the children how their handcuffs and visibility jackets work and let the children hear the sound of the police siren.

“They should always feel safe when the police are around and they should know that we are here to take care of them,” says Warrant Officer Chetty.

The Claremont CPF also read safety related stories to the children and gave them each safety whistles that they should carry with them and use in case of an emergency.

Claremont CPF project manager, Claire Terink said police visits like these are important for the children.

“There are perhaps many communities that feel discouraged by the police so this visit helps encourage a positive relationship amongst the children, it encourages good behaviour and it helps them with safety tips,” she said.

Kiddies Paradise principal Nina Smith said the visit was an excellent opportunity for her pupils to see what the police and community workers do.

“It is important that our children know what is happening around us, it's important that children are aware of their rights and what they can be protected against,” she said.