Crime: Potpourri of general tips
Make sure you have your domestic worker's full details.
One can never have enough tools in one’s crime prevention tool box.
Here are a few general tips to ensure your safety, and that of your loved ones:
1. Ensure that you have all the relevant details of your domestic/ gardener, i.e. copy of ID, proof of residence and contactable cellphone numbers of family members or spouses.
2. If a criminal demands your wallet or purse, don’t hand it over, toss it away from you. He’ll be more interested in getting the wallet, giving you a chance to get away. Try to stay calm.
3. When returning to your car after shopping, don’t waste time talking on your cellphone – you can do that later. Drive off, without giving someone a chance to get into your car. Stay focused.
4. If an armed person has forced his way into your car, gun the engine and speed off into anything – rather wreck the car and hope that the airbag will protect you, and jump out after impact.
5. If parked next to a large truck, rather get into your car through the passenger door, lock it and drive off.
6. When getting back to your car in a parking lot, always check inside first. Look behind the seats before unlocking.
7. Always check the vehicle next to your driver or passenger side. If a single male is seated in the next car, rather call a security guard to escort you to your car.
8. Always take the lift instead of stairs, especially after dark. Poorly lit stairwells could be dangerous places.
9. If a criminal has a gun and you are not under his control, always run, in a zig-zag pattern if possible. There is only a 4 in 100 chance of being hit, and possibly not in a vital organ.
10. If you’re at home at night and you hear a baby crying near your front door, do not open the door to inspect. Rather call your security company to investigate – it could be a tape recording to lure you outside.
11. If you wake up at night and hear running water outside, do not investigate. Call your security company to do that. Again, it could be a trap to get your door open and get you outside.
12.The elbow is the strongest point on your body; if you are close enough, use it.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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