How women can defend themselves this festive season

Women often fall victim to various crimes. Ahead of the festive season, a security expert has given advice on how women can better protect themselves.

Bull Security spokesperson French Jooste said while everyone was looking forward to a time of rest, women were encouraged not to let their guard down this festive season. “Criminals never take a holiday,” he said.

He gave advice to women for this festive season:

When going out to party:

• Make sure that you have a safe mode of transport from your home to the party and back home after the party.
• Never drive when you’ve had a few drinks, make use of services like Uber/Bolt, etc. It is even better to get a sober friend to take you home.
• Never accept open drinks from anyone, the spiking of drinks is an absolute reality and very dangerous for any individual. 
• Never go to a party alone, always make sure you go in a group.
• Always make sure your cellphone is fully charged, don’t leave your phone on a table or bar counter unattended.
• Take the bare minimum with you to the party leave expensive watches and jewellery at home as this is a big invitation to criminals.
• Communicate with your friends and make sure you leave the party together. Never go home with strangers or people that you don’t know, especially after a few drinks.
• Work on a buddy system and let your friends know when you arrive home. It is always good to create a WhatsApp group for communication with each other. Let each other know that you arrived safely at home and make sure that everyone that attended the party with you is safe.

While jogging:

• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• If possible carry your cellphone with you but hide it out of sight.
• Always jog where it is busy and where there is a lot of movement.
• If possible jog in a group.
• Never jog in the dark.
• Consult your security company for a mobile panic application. This is a very nice feature whereby you press the panic button on your smartphone and this will send the panic signal to the security company control room with your live location.

While driving on the road:

• Never use your phone while driving.
• Make sure your handbag, laptop and other valuables are in the boot and out of sight.
• When approaching a traffic light check for suspicious people standing around, keep an eye on them.
• Always leave a car length between you and the vehicle in front of you this makes it easier to escape if need be.
• If you see something suspicious or feel that something is out of place inform your security company to check it out.a
• Never stop next to the road to take a phone call especially at night. Rather drive to a filling station or use your vehicle’s wireless Bluetooth.

Self-defence tips

• Carry pepper spray or pepper fog with you, be careful where you use this and make sure you know exactly how to use it. 
  
• Go to self-defense classes, especially for females. This is a massive investment for yourself and your safety.
• Never confront a criminal, the biggest problem is that most of today’s criminals are armed.