DOMESTIC Watch Mondeor held its monthly meeting on April 11, coordinated by Michelle Pelser and with a talk given by Martin Barber from SOS Protec Sure security specialists.
Domestics from surrounding areas who attended the meeting learnt about the importance of knowing your neighbour and how it could save a life.
“Make a point of getting to know your neighbour who lives next door or close by to your employee. Introduce yourself and go with the four by four: the neighbour in front of you, the one behind you and both neighbours on either side. Then try and get to know all the people who live in your road. You need to know who belongs in your road and who doesn’t. Invite your neighbour to a Domestic Watch meeting if they don’t attend already and remind them the day before the meeting is to be held,” said Barber.
He added, “Get your neighbours’ telephone numbers, both the landline and the cell number. If your employers or neighbours’ employers don’t want you to hand out the landline, share each other’s cell numbers for added protection by being able to communicate with each other.
Read: Domestic Watch deals with child trafficking
“You need to share crime stories, especially if the incident took place in your street or neighbourhood. When you are walking down the street and notice someone you don’t know, you should alert your security company immediately. Become a nosy neighbour – know what is going on in your street.
“Listen out for each other. If you hear one scream, call for professional help. Do not run to the problem. Keep calm and take down information that you are hearing or seeing.
Information not to tell your neighbour
- Don’t tell your neighbour you will be alone on the property when your employer is going away on holiday.
- Don’t tell your neighbour anything about the house you are working in, what kind of work your employer does, what they earn, how much you earn or that your employer may have inherited jewellery.
“Any information such as this could leak out to criminals who could then attack the property. Criminals work with information they gather over a long period of time before they attack. Don’t help them. You could easily be the victim of the attack,” said Barber.
For more information on the next Domestic Watch meeting, which will be held at the Sasol garage, Columbine Avenue, Suideroord, phone Michelle Pelser on 084 292 9144.
Also Read: Keeping watch with Domestic Watch
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