With the ‘silly season’ fast approaching,  these safety and security tips should serve as a valuable reminder of how you can safeguard yourself and ensure the security of your family. 

This valuable information is especially relevant this time of year as an atmosphere of total relaxation prevails and as you are often likely to visit places and do things which are out of the ordinary. Our general lack of vigilance during the festive season, combined with the marked increase in criminal activity, prove to be a toxic combination. Organised criminals and opportunists - all ingenious experts – will resort to ruthless behaviour in executing their plans. 

 

SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVICE
General
·         Be alert at all times.  Do not ever let a criminal take you unawares.  

·         Know the contact numbers of the Community Police Forum in your area and the direct numbers allocated to the sector policing vehicles. 

·         Listen to your instincts. Should you experience a feeling of insecurity, there is generally a reason for this. Rather be safe than sorry.

·         If you are new to the area, find out which locations are dangerous and avoid these. The locals will be equipped to identify the hotspots.

·         Be observant and aware of your surroundings. You should especially take note of any changes to the usual patterns within an area or at a location.

·         Avoid walking alone; even with a dog.  Do not stroll about in the evening and avoid dark, unfamiliar places.

 

At home

 

·         Ensure that all entrances to your home and garden are well lit.

·         Remove shrubbery which obscures the view from windows or of gates and doors. Remember that bushes could potentially also provide a convenient hiding place for criminals.                    

·         Do not leave doors or security gates open, especially in the instance that these are road-facing. This is particularly important should you be occupied on the opposite side of the house. 

·         Never leave a motorised gate unlocked or open for long periods of time as criminals are constantly on the look-out for easy targets and safe access.

·         Do not allow unknown visitors or contractors access on your premises without proper supervision.

·         Never leave doors unlocked and windows open without ensuring that effective security measures are in place.

·         Know your neighbours and ensure that you have their telephone numbers available.

·         In addition, ensure that emergency telephone numbers are readily available and handy or that these have been entered onto the speed dial list.  Ensure that all family members are aware of these numbers and are able to operate a telephone in the instance of an emergency.  

·         Never open a door and/or gate should you not know the individual(s) requesting access.  Insist on positive identification prior to allowing anyone access onto your premises. This includes police officers, Telkom representatives and municipal workers.  Verify that your domestic worker or gardener is also aware of this rule and will only open for an expected visitor and only where you have instructed that such individual(s) be permitted access.  

·         Encourage neighbours to be involved in neighbourhood watch programmes.

·         Report suspicious characters and vehicles to the police and, where possible, record the registration numbers and descriptions of said individuals.

·         Never permit groups of unknown visitors access to your residence.

·         Install security/panic buttons near the doors; in the family room and within the bedrooms.  Most security companies phone prior to dispatching a vehicle to confirm whether there is an emergency situation and, at such time, a password is requested. Arrange a duress password with your security company in the instance that you are being held against your will.

·         Place canisters of pepper spray, or alternatives such as Zeb oven cleaner, close to entrance doors for immediate access. Always check the direction of the wind prior to use. When approaching a door to open it for a stranger, have this ready as one may not always be able to reach for the canister if accosted through a security gate. 

·         Be aware of vehicles which appear to be following you when approaching your residence. If in doubt, continue past your residence to the nearest police station.

·         Ask neighbours to remove your mail when away from home as allowing this to pile up is a clear indicator that the residents are not home.

·         Request that friends and family do not leave notices on the door or gate should you not be home.

·         Ensure that your windows are properly closed when away from your house.

·         Ask someone whom you know well to house-sit your home when you are away.

·         Leave blinds and curtains in the usual position when away. Do not suddenly change your routine.

·         Do not leave keys in obvious hiding places. Keys retained within the house should not be visible or accessible from outside.

·         Do not leave any garden tools or implements lying about as these could be used to gain entry into your premises or could even be used as a weapon.

·         Ask someone you trust to look after your animals. A dog that is not cared for and fed is likely to accept food from a stranger.

·         Should you be entertaining, arrange that your guests’ vehicles are parked within your property as vehicles left outside are a target and an indication that several people are gathered indoors. If you have external beams, activate these while entertaining to serve as an early warning. Criminals refer to these social gatherings as ‘brandy and coke parties’ and such meetings are considered easy targets.

·         In planning your security, adopt the perspective of a criminal. Consider where, when and how you would break into your home; where you would hide your valuables and what you would use to gain access.  Plan your security measures accordingly.  This should facilitate decisions relating to improving external lighting, removing bushes and the like.

        

At shopping malls, banks, parking areas, ATM’s and intersections

 

·         Do not answer a cell phone while walking in the street or shopping mall and do not allow your children to walk and Mixit. Your attention is not where it should be and you are likely to become the target of grab-and-run thieves. Always enter a shop and answer the call in a safe area.  During the festive season, any shopping mall could be considered an ideal hunting ground for grab-and-run activity.

·         Carry a whistle or other noise-making device and use this in the instance that you are under attack or find yourself the victim of crime. 

·         Always be alert when approaching your vehicle at shopping malls. Do not accept the assistance of a stranger as relates to packing parcels into the vehicle. When in doubt, return to the shop and ask security for help. Remember, your car key, when clasped tightly in your fist with the key protruding between your fingers, can become a lethal weapon when forcefully applied to soft areas like the face, eyes or neck.

·         Should you be alone, DO NOT withdraw large sums of money from the bank. If possible, make use of Internet banking to pay salaries as criminals frequently follow victims to their business premises or homes in order to rob these individuals of the cash.

·         Be particularly aware when drawing money from an ATM. 

·         Never carry a large amount of cash with you when shopping. Also, do not store your cash in one place at home as criminals will always demand cash and weapons during a robbery. Put a limited amount in your purse and the remainder in a safe place.

·         Do not let your emotions cloud your judgement as pertains to beggars at intersections. These individuals are often used as spotters for smash-and-grab criminals. 

·         DO NOT leave bags, phones or other articles on the seat of the car as this could attract unwanted attention. While travelling, open the windows at least one(1) centimetre as this renders the window more flexible and it will be less likely to shatter if violently struck.

      

Implement the concept of “security-in-depth” and remember, your awareness is the first line of defence; your guard dog the second and your security measures the third.