While many residents will head out to malls to do shopping in the upcoming weeks, spokesperson for the Sandton Police Station Captain Bheki Xulu shared the following safety tips.
ATMs
Xulu advised residents to only visit known ATMs where they will not struggle with the buttons. He shared the following safety tips for ATM users:
- Have your card ready before you get to the ATM
- Check your surroundings before making use of the ATM
- Don’t use an ATM that is out of sight
- Don’t allow anyone to help you while you are at the ATM
- Don’t withdraw large amounts of money from the ATM. Rather use your debit cards to pay accounts etc.
Social media
Xulu said that residents must be warned that no-one can call you and request your personal information such as bank account details. He also offered the following advice to residents:
- Don’t open any links you don’t know that offer you money
- Don’t buy items on Facebook or social media. Rather buy items from trusted sources
- Protect your PIN and don’t share it with anyone.
Shopping
Xulu advised residents to follow these safety tips when visiting malls:
- Don’t leave your handbag in your trolley while shopping, even if there is a child in your trolley
- Don’t lose sight of your child while shopping. Accompany your child to the bathroom when at the mall.
Airports
Xulu recommended that residents should not arrive at the airports with expensive watches and should put them in safes when they arrive at hotels or guest houses. Jewellery should also be kept in safes.
Staying home
Those staying home for the holidays should avoid leaving their windows or doors open for pets. According to Xulu, opportunists will see the windows or doors open and come back. He suggested that residents rather make use of fans to keep cool.
