South Africa in general and its large cities in particular, have gained an unfortunate reputation for high levels of crime, much of it associated with gratuitous violence. While it would be foolhardy to say that Cape Town is an exception to this, great efforts have been made recently to reduce crime levels, with considerable success, and the central city area and Waterfront precinct are generally safe to walk around as they have a very high security presence.

Nevertheless, visitors tend to be more vulnerable than residents, and it is advisable that delegates take some simple but effective anti-crime precautions (most of which really amount to simple anti-predator strategies familiar to many of you):

In your hotel/lodgings:

1. Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended.
2. Store valuables in hotel safe.
3. Always keep your hotel door locked.
4. Do not open the door to somebody before identifying them.
5. Hand in room keys to reception when going out.

On the street:

1. Know your route before setting out.
2. Where possible, explore the streets in groups.
3. Stick to well-lit streets at night.
4. Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
5. Do not make yourself a target - be circumspect about how much photographic equipment or flashy jewellery you carry.
6. Do not accept help from strangers at ATMs

Table Mountain
If you plan to climb Platteklip Ravine and come down with the Cable Car, ensure that you walk in a group, take sufficient water and a warm top and do not take any valuables.

Street children / begging
Social workers counsel against giving money to street children or beggars. Instead, buy the magazine The Big Issue from vendors with a marked tunic and Big Issue badge. These vendors are usually found on street corners and shopping mall entrances.

If in doubt as to the safety of a particular area or attraction, contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345. This number may also be used for practical assistance in replacing lost documents or reporting incidents (remember: having separate photocopies of essential travel documents can be of great assistance in such circumstances). In case of emergency, call 10111.

For more information on staying out of trouble, click here.