Security tips you need to know when you live in a remote area

The appeal of living on your own land far from neighbours and the hustle and bustle of the city sounds like a dream for some but living in a remote area does come with some cons. 

The South African Police Service has provided some basic security precautions to ensure your safety in remote areas:

• Get to know your neighbours and maintain a good relationship with them
• Know your security services and community-based crime prevention initiatives in your area and have their contact details in case of an emergency
• Store contact details of the security companies, community-based watch groups, community groups, emergency services and the police station so that they are available at all times
• Become an active member of the community, be part of the crime prevention programmes initiated by the community and by your local police 
• Develop a relationship with all role-players involved, so you know who to contact in case of an emergency
• Become involved in the existing neighbourhood watch, or if there is no neighbourhood watch in your area, consider starting one
• Consider attending the police’s simulation exercises to test the effectiveness of the response to incidents
• Inform your neighbours, local police and the community-based watch groups of any suspicious behaviour and activities in your area
• Lock all your doors at all times and ensure that windows are closed when you not at home 
• If needed, keep a register with the details of all persons on the premises, including workers. Do not allow unnecessary access to the premises
• Clear your premises of bushes and all possible hiding places. Lock away all tools and implements after they have been used
• Be vigilant and ensure that all persons on the premises, including workers and visitors, are also vigilant and know what to do in case of suspicious behaviour and/or an emergency
• Do not react blindly to any suspicious activities, especially not at night
• Do not keep large sums of money and/or valuables on the premises
• Ensure that additional safety measures have been implemented if you are selling any products from the premises

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