Recently released Saps crime statistics show an increase in crime, particularly residential armed robberies and hijackings.
Knowledge and proactive action are important factors when it comes to safeguarding yourself and loved ones.
Mandy Barrett, insurance brokerage and risk advisors for Aon South Africa said that the key is vigilance, an understanding of how and when such crimes are most likely to happen, and taking active measures to mitigate them.
“Although it’s a truism that such vigilance needs to be part and parcel of our daily lives, it’s especially important with the upcoming festive season when we typically see an uptick in criminal activities.”
Saps crime stats show that armed robberies at residential premises increased by 5.2 percent to 20 281 reported incidents, equating to 56 households every day during 2014/2015.
Hijackings also increased, with 35 reported incidents every day for the same period (a 3.2 percent increase), while armed robberies at businesses increased by 14.2 percent.
Aon provides the following tips on what can be done to reduce your risk:
- Don’t be complacent about your home’s security measures – even secure complexes and gated suburbs are not exempt from it.
- Be observant of your surroundings and cognisant of anything or anyone who looks out of place.
- Be aware of vehicles that remain in your rearview mirror. Many armed robbers follow their victim home from public places such as a shopping centre, bank or airport.
- You are most at risk when leaving and arriving home. Turn down the volume on the radio well in advance, get off the phone and be alert
- Most suburbs and complexes have Whatsapp groups, radios and other community platforms in place
- If you are confronted by an armed criminal, follow their directions, stay calm, don’t look at them and don’t try to hide or conceal any items. Remember they are likely to be on edge and stressed, so don’t provide any reason for further provocation
On the other end of the spectrum, there is a mobile app out that is set to promote your safety without the assistance of the police. Cell 411 is an app which allows citizens to bypass calling police for help and instead build cells or groups of friends, neighbours and family members who can be instantly notified in case an emergency takes place.
Neighbourhood watchers all over Joburg are using the app to keep their neighbourhoods safer and even owners of security firms are using it to dispatch help and security guards to their clients.
The app is now listed at number 15 in the top most popular social networking iPhone apps in South Africa.
Here’s a video explaining how the app can help you:
