ALBERTON – Safety tips. 1. Your neighbours: Get to know your neighbours and your neighbourhood. Exchange telephone numbers. This way you will be able to tell if something or someone does not belong. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when arriving or leaving home. Before entering or leaving your driveway, check all around you and stay alert. If you feel unsafe, contact the Moffatview Police Station on Tel: 011 405 1546 and/or your security company immediately, alternatively drive to the nearest Police Station and report your suspicions, they are there to protect our community. Form or join a Neighbourhood Watch or Resident’s Association. Join the Community Policing Forum and attend relevant security meetings with your neighbours. 2. Your domestic staff and/or gardener: Do not employ people directly off the street if you do not know them. Always request contractible references and a copy of their ID. Equip your domestics and/or gardeners with panic buttons and/or whistles, if available, and make sure they know what to do and who to contact in an emergency. 3. Your perimeter: Walk around the perimeter of your property and check for weaknesses. Make sure your gate is secured and cannot be lifted off its rails. Check your gate motor and place a safety cage over your motor. Trim back any trees or bushes that may interfere with your wall and/or electric fence. Place lights around your perimeter. Ensure that your lawn is trimmed regularly as long grass outside your property gives perpetrators the impression that the property is vacant, and more importantly gives perpetrators a place to hide. 4. Your street name and number: Ensure that your street number is visible so that SAPS and EMS can find you when they need to. If your street name is not visible, contact your local ward councillor and request that the street names be repainted. 5. Your short-term insurance: Ensure that your short-term insurance policy is up to date. 6. Your car keys: Whether at home or in a public place always have your car keys or the car remote readily on-hand as you approach your vehicle. Do not become vulnerable when you divert your attention from your surroundings to look for your car keys. If you belong to a security company then also do the following: 7. Your security profile: Ensure that your security profile is always up to date. Phone your security company to check your information. Ensure that your security company can get to you when you need help. 8. Your home alarm: Just like your car your home alarm needs to be serviced at regular intervals and it’s important to test it regularly. Also test all panic buttons and outdoor security systems. 9. Your late arrival: If you work late hours, upon arriving home, alert your security company to be on standby, waiting for you close to your driveway or at your nearest street corner. Compiled by Constable Rebecca Bila and Phillip Venter
It’s time to re-look your safety
It is time to take another look at your security at home. Look at your home and property with a fresh eye and sharpen up your security, where necessary.
