10 crime prevention tips

Following crime rates that have been reported recently, neighbourhood watches from Ormonde, Johannesburg, Sophiatown, Westdene, Roosevelt Park and Linden are joining hands to reduce crime.

Here are the 10 best crime prevention tips from Constable Bernicia Subroyan from Douglasdale Sector 1.

• Keep vehicle windows closed when approaching a robot, and be vigilant at all times, especially at night.
• Do not wear expensive jewellery when going out shopping, rather leave it at home safe.
• Always check that your vehicle’s doors are locked before walking away from the vehicle.
• Make sure your valuables (handbags, laptops, cellphones) are stored out of sight before driving off.
• Do not use your cellphone to chat or make calls while stuck in traffic. (Passengers included) You shouldn’t be using your cellphone at all while driving. You are attracting opportunistic criminals to break your window and steal your phone (smash-and-grab).
• Try to park in paid parking areas where there are security guards.
• Test your tracking device to ensure it is in good working order.
• When parking at home, park inside your garage or if not possible park your vehicle in a suitably lit area.
• Try to use debit or credit cards when making your festive season purchases, instead of carrying cash, or drawing cash at ATMs in full view of criminals.
• Test your home alarm system to ensure that your security company is receiving a signal when your alarm is activated.