Edenvale City Improvement District (ECID) reminded women to ensure their own safety at all times.
Also read: BEDFORDVIEW: Hijackers haul woman from car, shoot at security guard
ECID provided the following safety tips when shopping:
• When leaving your vehicle make sure that your belongings are locked inside the boot and are not on the seats or floor of your car.
• Double check that your car is locked and that no jamming devices have been used.
• Your handbag should not be loosely slung over your shoulder. Hold your bag tightly in front of you or if your bag allows for it, hold it across your body.
• Do not wear expensive jewellery.
• Before you return to your vehicle check your surroundings.
• When using an ATM try not to go on your own. If you don’t have someone with you, do not use isolated machines. Never accept help from strangers.
• Trust your instincts.
Safety when driving:
• Do not leave your handbag on the passenger seat or in view of others to avoid becoming a victim of smash-and-grab.
• When stopped behind another car in traffic, be sure to leave enough space in front of you so that you can manoeuvre out should you need to.
• Preferably keep your windows closed especially at traffic lights and stop streets.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Vary your route home.
• If you think you are being followed rather take a detour to a public place or your nearest police station.
• Don’t let children or cellphones distract you when approaching your home.
• Ensure that visibility in and out of your driveway is good.
• Do not turn into your driveway while your gate is opening. Rather wait in the road, facing forward and turn when you can get inside immediately and close the gate behind you.
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