Police all around the country are doubling their efforts to make this year's festive season a peaceful one, police said on Wednesday.

National police spokesperson Director Phuti Setati said police would be joining forces with government and other sectors to fight crimes such as armed robberies, illegal border crossings, firearm offences and gender-based violence.

"We are going to use our previous festive season's experience to get highly experienced members at strategic points throughout the country," said Setati.

He said the operation would be supported by the police Air Wing, the National Intervention Unit and the Special Task Force.

"Preventing business robberies at small businesses, for example, spaza shops, is a challenge at present," he said.

Everyone should get involved in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women campaign which begins on 25 November and ends on 10 December.

"Society must help beat the silence on domestic violence, rape and sexual offences," said Setati.

He urged everyone to be vigilant at all times and to report suspicious-looking persons and vehicles to the police on 086 001 0111.

Sapa