Useful anti-crime tips for the festive season

As the festive season rushes in, criminals will be finding ways to ruin your holidays.

To avoid this, the Honeydew Sector 3 Community Police Forum issued some crime-fighting tips to assist you during the upcoming busy season.

For personal safety:

· Know the police station and all emergency numbers.

· Always tell someone where you are going.

· Do not display valuables like cellphones or jewellery etc in public.

· Keep your handbag with you and do not leave it unattended.

· Do not carry large sums of money with you.

· Credit card transactions must be processed in your presence.

Safety in your vehicle:

· Plan your route in advance.

· Keep the doors locked and the windows wound up at all times.

· Do not leave your cellphone or other valuables where they can be seen from outside the vehicle.

· Lock valuable items in the boot before your departure.

· Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.

· If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station in advance.

Hijacking warnings

· Residents are urged to be careful when arriving at or leaving their residences.

· When approaching your street, look in your mirrors for any vehicle following you.

· As soon as you have entered your property, close and lock the gate before offloading anything from the vehicle.

Smash and grab incidents:

· Be wary of people standing at traffic lights or intersections.

· Never open your windows or doors for any stranger.

· If you encounter obstacles on the road such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.

· Never leave children alone in the car, not even for a moment.

How to react when attacked:

· Think, do not panic – your mind is your first line of defence

· Evaluate the situation – is someone nearby?

· Do not resist your attacker.

· Do not become aggressive or demanding.

· Do not argue with perpetrators.

· Do not make sudden moves or gestures.

Street robberies:

· Try not to walk in remote places at any time.

· Be aware of your surroundings.

· If people start milling around you – beware. It could be a set-up for a robbery.

· Never overload yourself with parcels – it makes you a target.

· If you are out at night, stick to well-lit areas. Also, try to go out in groups.

· Carry your wallet and cellphone in an inside or front pocket.

· Let someone know where you are going.

Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za  (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.

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