CSS Tactical area manager Juan Koch, has advised women about follow-home robberies and how they can avoid becoming victims.
According to Juan Koch, the modus operandi of following people from shopping centres, banks and airports and then robbing them in their driveways at home, is on the increase across Johannesburg.
During Craighall Park Domestic Watch meeting in Blairgowrie, safety tips that people could use were shared.
Koch, has 14 years of experience with the South African Police Service, multiple years as a suicide negotiator and another 10 years as a Swat firearm instructor.
“Develop your mind to be aware of your environment” he said.
“Stay in the road when approaching your home. If you think someone might be following you, go to your nearest police station, get your husband or wife on the phone or phone your security company with all the vehicle’s details and wait for them to escort you into the property,” he advised.
Koch suggested the following to avoid being a victim of a follow-home robbery:
- Wear minimal jewellery when you are at a shopping centre
- Be aware of people watching you when pushing your trolley towards the car and packing the shopping into the car
- Unlock your car a few paces before reaching the vehicle
- Be aware when leaving a shopping centre
- Watch who is driving behind you at all times.
Many of the residents at the session mentioned that they didn’t want to seem paranoid or would rather give people the benefit of the doubt.
“Rather seem paranoid, and remain safe than the alternative,” Koch warned the residents.
