Tips to avoid robberies at home

As robberies at home continue to be a problem in all policing precincts, the Randburg police have issued some safety tips to ensure that residents remain safe when leaving home and returning.

Randburg Police Station spokesperson Captain Makgowanyana Maja issued the following safety tips for residents. When leaving home:

• Before opening your perimeter gate, ensure there is no one loitering outside
• As soon as you exit your property set your alarm. If you cannot hear the system is set, install a small light on the outside of the house that is linked to the alarm system that shows when the alarm is set
• Never drive away from your property without checking that the gate has fully closed
• If you see any suspicious-looking individuals loitering near your home, do not approach them, rather call the relevant authorities.

On the road home:

• If you suspect that you are being followed, slow down at least two to three houses away from your home. By doing so, you will force the vehicle behind you to pass and this could deter the criminals to lose interest
• Always make sure that you can see the back wheels of the car in front of you when you are in traffic. This gives you enough room to escape
• Never get out of your car in traffic when a car taps you from behind. Rather, drive to the nearest public spot and signal the driver behind you to do the same
• If you live in a secure complex, it is still advisable to be vigilant when entering the complex as it is still possible for criminals to enter without being noticed
• Never antagonise hijackers. If you are being hijacked, lift your hands and show them that you are not a threat
• Always remain calm while trying not to make eye contact with the hijacker. Try to remember what they are wearing in order to identify them later. When arriving home/When at home:n If you think you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to the nearest police station or to another safe place e.g. a petrol station
• Deactivate your alarm once you are sure the area is safe
• If a relative is already at home and has deactivated the alarm, check your surroundings before entering the property
• Wait until your gate has closed fully before proceeding up the driveway.