MICHELE HINE (far right), OCC Plasto-Sac SA: Do not take any unnecessary risks. Avoid driving late at night when you are by yourself and avoid areas known to be crime hotspots.
Vital safety and security information shared at security expo.
The M33 First Responders and Sophiatown Police Station hosted a Security Expo on 14 September to give the public a chance to gather necessary information on keeping themselves safe.
With the police, security companies, Metro police, emergency services and other related entities involved, there was no excuse for people to return home without knowing a little bit more.
M33 First Responders and its founder, Andrew Burger explained the purpose behind hosting such an event. “Community members tend to complain about police or government departments that they are not there for them. By this initiative we are bringing all the stakeholders, government officials, Metro police and the police to the community to show them that they are there to assist and want to help.”
Here are some safety and security tips from those represent at the security expo:
TOM PARRY: Apcan Security Group: Be prepared and watch what is going on around you at all times. Be alert to your surroundings while on the road and at home. Also, ensure that children are never walking the streets alone. Ensure that they are always with adults or a group of people. Photo: Andile DlodloROY MC EWAN, 6th Sense Security: Ensure that your home’s entrance is protected. If this isn’t protected well, criminals will gain easy access to your home. Make sure that your gates are monitored and not possible of being tampered with by criminals. Photo: Andile DlodloCHRIS MONTGOMERY, Emergency Control South Africa: Know who to call. People don’t know who to call in emergencies. Join community organisations like CPF’s and crime forums so you have a group of people to help when necessary. Photo: Andile DlodloNATASHA SPRINGFIELD, Fidelity ADT: People shouldn’t be walking the streets showing their valuables. Street robberies have become common and people are being held up in the streets with firearms for phones and gadgets. Don’t be negligent and keep your valuables out of sight. Photo: Andile DlodloECD UPLIFTMENT PROJECTS AND CONSULTING: Make sure you have full knowledge about what is going on at your child’s early childhood development centre. Ask as many questions on their facilities, staff, meal plans, curriculum, registration and security as possible. If they are reluctant to answer then you must be reluctant to stick around, for the safety of your children. Photo: Andile DlodloASARS SECURITY: When driving home, make sure you are always safe by being alert. Do not open your windows or doors when people are pointing at your car and knocking on it at traffic lights and circles. If you see anything suspicious while driving, contact a security company or the police for assistance. Photo: Andile Dlodlo
Burger admitted he wasn’t too thrilled with the participation of the community. “It is, however, very disappointing that we did not have as many community members there as we would have liked to see.”
Regardless of this, he remains optimistic for the future and hopes to see this change.
