Stroll smart and stay sharp when planning a day in Cape Town’s CBD. From Long Street and the Company’s Garden to the city’s museums, markets and historic landmarks, there is plenty to explore, but as with any busy city centre, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to help visitors enjoy the CBD while staying alert and safe.

Stroll Smart be Wise and Stay Safe

If someone tries to convince you that you need a permit to walk anywhere in the CBD, your are being scammed. You do NOT need a permit to walk anywhere in Cape Town.

Credit card fraudsters pose as security guards or tourism officials in the city centre. They stop visitors and insist they need a permit to walk in the streets and offer to “issue” the permit. The unsuspecting tourist is then being led to a secluded area where they have stuck a fake numeric device (like a calculator) onto the wall of a building.

They then ask for a bank card and invite the person to punch in their PIN. Once this is done they swiftly make off with the bank card and within seconds start withdrawing funds from tje person’s account.

If you need to withdraw money at an ATM, do not let anyone distract you. Always ensure that no one can see your PIN. Do not offer help or accept help from anyone but a bank official when experiencing a problem at the ATM.

Stroll Smart and Stash Before You Dash

If you’re making a stop, don’t leave handbags, laptops, cameras, shopping bags or other valuables visible inside your vehicle, even if you’re only going to be away for a few minutes. If possible, take valuables with you. If something genuinely needs to remain in the car, place it in the boot before you arrive at your destination, rather than moving it out of sight once you’ve parked. The less visible there is to attract attention, the better.

Stroll Smart – Lock and Check Before You Go

Don’t fall prey to remote jamming. This is a technique used by criminals to interfere with a vehicle’s locking signal, potentially preventing the doors from locking when you press your remote.

Always lock your vehicle and manually check the doors before walking away. Stay alert when approaching and leaving your vehicle, and avoid becoming distracted while loading or unloading belongings.

Hold Tight and Out of Sight

Avoid walking around with your cellphone in your hand. Keep it safely tucked away and out of sight, and if you need to check your phone or make a call, consider stepping inside a nearby shop or building.

Avoid displaying expensive jewellery, particularly gold chains, as this can make you a target for chain-snatching. Keep your bag close to your body and make sure it is securely zipped or closed.

When stopping at a restaurant or café, never leave your cellphone, wallet or handbag unattended on the table, even for a moment.

Help is At Hand

There are 327 Public Safety Officers of the Cape Town Central City Improvement (CCID) on duty 24/7 in the Cape Town CBD.

WhatsApp or call 24-hour control centre? 082 415 7127

Police Cape Town Central Police Station 021 467 8002/2

City of Cape Town Emergency: 021 480 7700

Source and References

Also read: South Africa Crime Stats Q1 2026: 5 Critical Trends

https://www.capetownccid.org/tags/safety-tips

Image: AI Generated