Midrand police communications officer Constable Matome Tlamela issues to prevent a follow-home and armed robbery:
- Know your environment
- Get to know who belongs in the vicinity of your home or workplace and who does not
- Keep your eyes open for anything out of the ordinary
- Lock all doors and close windows before driving off
- Try to vary your route to places visited regularly
- Ensure all your mirrors are adjusted to give you an optimal all around view of your surroundings
- Try to stop about 5m behind the car in front of you at traffic light as it makes an easier get away if trouble arises
She cautioned community members not to be fooled by:
- A false appear for help
- An accident such as having your car rammed from behind
- Someone trying to get help from a stationery car
- Your electric gate being jammed
- It is important to know your environment.
Tlamela also issued tips to avoid getting hurt during a robbery or house burglary:
- Your life is more valuable than your possessions
- When you hear the noise outside, please don’t go outside your house rather call the sector vehicle for assistance
- Do not resist, especially if the attacker has a weapon
- Give up and obey to the instructions of the attacker with no questions asked and move away if possible
- Don’t try to be a hero because you can be killed.
Keep Midrand police and sector vehicle numbers at hand:
- Midrand Police Station: 011 347 1600
- Sector 1: 071 675 6108 or 071 675 6109
- Sector 2: 071 675 6110 or 071 675 6111
- Sector 3: 071 675 6112 or 071 675 6113
- Sector 4: 071 675 6114 or 071 675 6115
- Sector 5: 071 675 6116 or 0716 756 117.
