Following a spate of criminal activity in the area, the Roodepoort Police Station has provided tips on how to prevent hijackings, and house and business robberies.
Hijackings
*Avoid being alone in a vehicle when travelling at night
*Do not stop near hijacking hot spots or secluded areas
*Always be alert when driving. If you suspect that you are being followed by a suspicious vehicle, drive to your nearest police station or call the Police’s Emergency number 10111
*Do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when you are driving alone
*Avoid distractions such as being on your phone or drinking while driving
*Increase caution at intersections – always keep a look out for people loitering around your vehicle or any sudden activity around your vehicle
House robberies
*Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons or vehicles
*Enhance security by fitting access doors with security gates and installing burglar bars on windows. If possible, install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in key positions around the premises. Use systems which can record and save footage on a server for download at any stage
*Request neighbours or your security company to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period of time
*Do not open gates and doors for strangers
*Verify the identity of the domestic worker and/ or garden worker before you employ them and check authenticity of a contractor before you allow access to the premises
Business robberies
*Do not keep large amounts of money on the business’ premises
*Be on the lookout for suspicious customers
*Have a key word or a manner of signalling each other if there is a problem so that you can activate the panic alert without anyone else knowing
*Do not keep the shop open till late where possible
*Avoid being alone, especially at night
*Business owners must not open the doors for anyone after the business has closed for the day
