- always ensure that doors are properly closed and locked;
- ensure that all doors are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are not at home;
- if you leave your residence for a long period, inform your family/neighbours of your whereabouts, in order for them to report all suspicious people and vehicles;
- ensure that tools such as axes, spades, picks, ladders, etc., that can be used in an attack, are locked away when you do not use them;
- vary your daily routine;
- get into the habit of not immediately falling asleep after switching off the lights;
- you should not be visible in the bedroom from the outside when you are asleep;
- if you are unsure about the security status of your home after returning from work/a visit, and your dogs do not come to the gate, do not enter your home;
- report suspicious behaviour and information to the South African Police Service immediately;
- clear the areas around the gates of bushes and other hiding places;
- do not employ casual workers without a reference. Keep copies of all your employees’ ID’s.
- ensure that you have a good relationship with your neighbours, so that you will be in a good position to support and help each other;
- keys to the safe must be kept on the person;
- never hide any keys in traditional places, such as in pot plants or under doormats;
- never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers;
- change locks when keys are lost;
- never leave windows open during the day when you are not at home; police say theft of motor vehicles and theft out of vehicles is also a concern in the area;
- always park vehicles in a locked garage. If there is no garage, ensure that the vehicle is parked closed to the bedroom, or at the back of the house (out of sight);
- never leave vehicles on the pavement;
- ensure that all motorcycles are parked out of sight, and in locked up facilities;
- always remove your valuables — such as GPS devices, cellphones, laptops, wallets — from the vehicle.
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