Stranger danger – beware of impersonators!
A recent incident in Johannesburg South once again highlighted the importance of being aware of impersonators.
An incident in Mondeor south of Johannesburg last week has once again highlighted the importance of being aware of impersonators in your suburb, warned security company Fidelity ADT.
According to Linda Goodenough, Community Development Manager for Fidelity ADT, three women managed to con a domestic worker into opening the door for them, pretending that they were interested in buying the home. They subsequently managed to steal a number of items from the home and fled the scene.
“This is not the first time we have heard of people pretending to be who they are not,” said Goodenough.
She added it is a real problem across the northern, south eastern and western parts of Gauteng. It also does not only happen in the home.
“We’ve had reports about criminals pretending to be potential patients at doctors’ rooms to being council workers at offices etc. It is an old trick that keeps on happening. We teach our children about ‘stranger danger all the time and yet it is so easy to fall into that trap as an adult as well,” she said.
Stranger danger is a warning for young and old alike that strangers could be dangerous.
“We all have a natural discomfort or instinct to strangers which is not a totally bad thing; it helps us to be extra cautious.”
She added if your child/ teenager is old enough to stay at home alone, set rules about what to do when a stranger knocks on the door or pushes the gate intercom.
“They must at no time divulge any personal information such as telephone numbers or contact details. As a family you need to talk about various ways strangers may try to trick you. This is the perfect example when a child knows that the house is for sale and people are coming in and out of the house all the time, but what they may not know is, that it is by strict appointment only. Don’t just assume that our kids know that. The same principal applies to the domestic workers and gardeners.”
Most strangers probably pose no danger, but it is always better to first seek identification and be aware of the warning signals of potential danger. The old adage – “better to be safe than sorry” could not be more true when it comes to strangers.
So in summary:
• Never let anyone in at the front door if their identity or reason for the visit has not been verified.
• Ensure all family members as well as workers on your property are briefed not to give access to strangers.
• If you are expecting contractors or deliveries please ensure you brief your staff ahead of time.
• Always trust your gut. If you feel something is out of place, report it to the police or your security provider immediately. No one should be allowed to enter unless they can prove their identity and their bona fides for visiting the property.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
