With the festive season around the corner, Business Against Crime South Africa (BACSA) wishes to take this opportunity to remind the general public to take standard safety precautions while on holiday.
“At the close of a successful year which saw South Africa host the FIFA World Cup without a major incident from both a safety and security perspective, we urge all to take standard safety precautions while on holiday in order to help to prevent the opportunity for crime to take place. Earlier this month, the SAPS launched the national Safer Festive Season ‘Operation Duty Calls’ intervention which will increase police visibility throughout the holiday period. These efforts need to be supported by citizens, businesses and communities doing their part in preventing crime and reporting incidents when they occur,” says Dr Wright, BACSA CEO.
Here are some safety tips that will allow you to enjoy your holiday without being a victim of crime:
Home safety
If you are away for the holidays, use the following checklist to secure your home:
* Check that your alarm system is working properly before you go on holiday (including the back-up battery, so that it functions during power outages).
* Close and lock all windows and doors.
* Ensure that all windows are fitted with burglar bars.
* Fit suitable locks and bolts to all sliding doors as a means to prevent burglars from lifting the glass off its tracks (the most common method for break-ins).
* Do not leave an out-of-town message on your answering machine that can be accessed by friends and strangers alike.
* Likewise, do not leave an out-of-town message on your door or post box indicating that you are away.
* Request that a neighbour, family member or friend clears your post box every few days, while you are away (an alternative solution is to have someone you trust house sit while you are away. They should have your contact details in case of an emergency).
* Cancel newspaper deliveries for the period you are away.
* Never leave keys hidden (under doormats, in flowerpots, etc).
* Do not leave keys on the inside of doors.
* Never leave tools in your garden or an unlocked garden shed that would help intruders break into your home.
Travel
If you are away for the holidays, use the following checklist for travel safety:
* Pump up your tyres and check the general road worthiness of your vehicle prior to your departure (ensure your spare tyre is fully inflated).
* Plan your route in advance and familiarise yourself with key planned stops along the way.
* Use caution when travelling alone, especially at night.
* Drive with your doors locked and windows up (or slightly ajar if need be);.
* Keep all your valuables in the boot of your car or out of sight, so as to not attract the attention of opportunists.
* Do not drink and drive.
* Avoid stopping in isolated spots or along the highways, if you can. Rather take the next off ramp to stop in a public area where you can stretch, refresh yourself and/or take a break from driving.
* Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers, no matter how lost and/or helpless they appear (rather report the incident to the police or road patrol).
* Have numbers for roadside assistance and other emergencies close at hand or saved on your cellular phone, so that you are well-prepared for any eventuality.
Shopping centres
During the holiday season (whether you go away or not), use the following checklist for shopping centre safety:
* Be risk-aware of the environment in which you shop, paying attention to security measures (ie, security cameras and security personnel).
* Report suspicious-looking people/behaviour to the shopping centre security immediately (you could prevent an incident).
* Do not carry large amounts of money on your person, rather use credit/debit cards.
* Always have control over your handbag/valuables, at all times, especially when paying for goods at the till:
- Women should keep their handbags close to them (preferably to the front of them).
- Men should keep their wallets in the front pockets of their trousers (back pockets are easier to pickpocket).
* Never leave valuables in your trolley or visibly on the seats of your car (carry your valuables on you or leave them locked in the boot of your car).
* When trying on clothes, make sure your belongings are secure in your changing booth.
* Avoid wearing flashy jewellery and/or watches and do not talk on your cellular phone in the street or while driving.
* Always accompany your children to the public restrooms.
* Have your car keys ready before you approach your vehicle and be aware of your surroundings.
* Do not approach your vehicle if a suspicious-looking person is hanging around.
* When you leave a shopping centre, make sure that you are not being followed home.
* If you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station.
In a police emergency call the SAPS emergency number: 10111.
If you have any information about a suspected criminal or suspicious activity which should be brought to the attention of the law enforcement agencies, please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
For more information contact Deborah Hunt, Business Against Crime South Africa, +27 (0)82 393 5688.
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