Safety awareness in a vehicle

The Edenvale SAPS takes the safety of the community seriously.

To ensure the community’s safety, Sergeant Jacob Mashile has provided the following tips for motorists.

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you might only be away for a minute.
• Avoid stopping at remote places.
• Park your vehicle in well-lit places.
• If a stranger wants to speak to you while you are in your vehicle, do not open the window too wide as five centimetres is wide enough to have a discussion.
• Limit your trips at night or ask someone to accompany you.
• Vary the route you travel to work and back if possible.
• If a stranger approaches your car, drive off or hoot in order to attract attention.
• If stranger loiters near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for longer periods, report it to your nearest police station.
• Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individuals involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for assistance.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if you are forced out of the car.
• Your life is more valuable than your possessions.
• Do not resist, especially if the suspect is armed.
• Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
• A lift club also limits the risk of being a victim of crime.
• Do not give lifts to strangers.
• A gear lock is an affordable and effective anti-theft device.
• If possible, place a mirror against the wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into your garage.
• Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.