Newcastle SAPS offer vehicle safety tips ahead of the festive season

Newcastle SAPS has offered the following vehicle safety tips ahead of the festive season.

The holiday season has arrived, and most of us will be traveling to see family and friends, or simply going to town to do our Christmas shopping.

Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications Officer Lizzy Arumugam has cautioned motorists to be especially careful as thieves will be out in force preying on innocent motorists.

She has suggested the following safety advice to help reduce crime and make motorists more aware of their surroundings:

• When planning a trip, make sure your vehicle is in proper working order.
• Make certain that your vehicle’s fuel tank is always full.
• Always keep your vehicle’s doors locked and windows closed.
• If you are approached by a stranger while driving, either drive away or blow your hooter to attract attention.
• Even if you believe you’ll be gone for a minute, don’t leave your car unlocked.
• Avoid making stops in outlying areas.

• Park your vehicle in well-lit areas.

“If a stranger approaches you while you’re driving, don’t open the window all the way; merely 5 cm is adequate to conduct a conversation.”

• If something appears odd, do not approach strangers; instead, be rude and drive away.
• Limit your nighttime travel or, at the very least, bring someone with you.
• Where possible, change the route you take to and from work.

“If strangers are loitering near or at your driveway, drive past them. If they continue to loiter for an extended period of time, contact your local police station.”

• Car jackers may stage a minor accident in order to approach your vehicle.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.

“Avoid reaching for your purse or valuables. If you are forced to leave your car, leave everything behind. Don’t fight back, especially if the robber has a weapon and should it come down to it, exit your vehicle without hesitation and leave.Your life is more valuable than your belongings.”

• A lift club reduces the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.
• Do not offer strangers a lift.
• A gear lock is a low-cost and very effective anti-theft device.
• Install a mirror against the front wall of your garage if possible to observe if anyone is following you in.

“Lastly, do not open your garage doors until your gates have been closed,” she concluded.