People’s habits and routines often contribute to crime incidents without them even being aware of it.
This is according to Ms Penny Steyn, the founder of Making a Difference (MAD) Domestic Watch who spoke at the Bedfordview Methodist Church.
Affectionately known as MAD Penny, Ms Steyn told domestic workers and gardeners that in order to avoid being victims of crime they must take note of their habits and get rid of the bad ones.
“Most of you become victims of opportunistic crimes. If you are busy cleaning the yard and leave the gate open, even a criminal in training can easily make use of the opportunity to enter the property and rob you. Don’t underestimate criminals; they are cunning and are always ready to hit,” said Ms Steyn.
She said gardeners must alternate the days on which they mow the lawn outside the property.
“Criminals are always watching and if they know you do your garden every Tuesday at 10am, you are at a higher risk of getting hit. Change the days and when you do mow outside. Don’t take the keys outside with you,” she said.
Ms Steyn said employees must keep their panic buttons with them at all times.
“The first thing you do when you wake up must be to wear your panic button. Make sure it is on your body at all times. However, I always advise people to not wear their panick button in an obvious place. It is usually safer to put it on an elastic and then tie it around your waist with the button to your back. This is because the first thing criminals do when they hit is to tie your hands behind your back. This way you can still press the panic button and call for help,” she told domestic workers.
She said once a month employers must check if the panic buttons given to staff is still in a working condition.
“Domestic workers must ask employers to change the alarm code. For your safety, you should not know it. This way, when there is an emergency, security will have to come into the property,” said Ms Steyn.
Ms Steyn warned domestic workers and gardeners of the dangers of revealing information about their employers or living arrangements.
“Bragging or complaining can open the door for criminals to take advantage,” said Ms Steyn.
“I also urge employers to work together with their staff towards making the suburbs safer. Remember that they [staff] are usually the first in the firing line and criminals target them because at the end of the day, they know better about your property and surroundings than you actually do,” said Ms Steyn.
She said the date for the next session will be announced soon.
