Silly Season is upon us and the South African Intruder Detection Services Association (SAIDSA) is urging everyone to be safe and vigilant over the next few months.
According to a statement released by SAIDSA, social media will explode with information on how to remain safe. You will start seeing big operations being conducted by the police and law enforcement in conjunction with security service providers nationally.
According to Ryno Schutte, managing director of SAIDSA, “Report any suspicious behaviour to your local police and Security Service Provider. Working together as a community can become very fruitful over this Silly Season, so let’s all do our part. Our biggest mistake as drivers is that we have become complacent in our thinking, trying to remain positive by saying things like ‘It won’t happen to me’ or being macho and making it known that ‘I will show them’.”
Here are a few golden rules to take into consideration:
Before leaving your location:
1. Please get off your phone while approaching your vehicle. Yes, we all say we can multitask, but can we really?
2. Take a stroll around your vehicle to confirm that there is no one lurking around or in your vehicle before getting into your vehicle.
3. If your child will be driving with you, seat him/ her behind the driver of the vehicle. This will ensure that in the event of an incident, the driver can remove and shield the child by keeping their backs towards the hijackers/ suspects.
4. Ensure your number plates are both on the vehicle and no papers are stuck to the rear or front windows of your vehicle. This is a trend used by suspects to lure you into stopping while your vehicle is running to either retrieve the number plate or remove the papers.
5. Place all valuable items out of sight, either under the seat or in the boot of your vehicle. Smash and grabs are also on the increase.
6. Ensure your windows and doors are closed and locked before leaving.
7. Plan your route before departure.
While driving:
1. Get off your phone. Not only are you at risk for being involved in an accident while driving, you are also placing your fellow drivers at risk. Not to mention that it is illegal. Put your phone on ‘Silent’ and out of reach while driving.
2. Be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious behaviour to the police and your local security service provider.
3. If your windscreen or a tyre is damaged while driving, drive to a well-lit area before stopping to inspect the damage.
4. Do not stop for anyone that might indicate they are in need of help in deserted or high-risk areas. Contact law enforcement, the police or security company to assist.
5. Take a different route daily when leaving home or returning home. Criminals pounce on the fact that we are following the same routine and routes.
6. Though there is a misconception that only certain makes and models are being stolen or hijacked, if there is a need for a certain make or model vehicle in the vehicle crime market, any vehicle will become a target.
7. Turn down the volume on your music/ radio, eliminate distractions and be extra vigilant from 1km before your destination, and ensure that you are not being followed.
8. Park parallel to your home opening the gate prior to pulling into the driveway. Parking in your driveway while opening your gate might get you boxed in.
In the unfortunate event of a hijacking:
1. Do not resist the attacker or suspects.
2. Keep your hands visible at all times as the suspects are as nervous as you are.
3. Be submissive and listen to the suspects’ instructions.
4. Do not resist once you have exited the vehicle.
5. Place your children in baby seats directly behind you, so that you can remove the child with ease. Indicate to the suspect that you have a child in the back seat and remove the child, shielding him/ her as much as possible.
6. Remain calm and try to identify any useful information about the hijackers without staring at them.
7. Create time and space as quickly as possible between yourself and the threat.
• Take note of the language the suspects speak
• Count the number of voices.
• Listen to the information the suspects share amongst themselves and possibly via cellphone.
• Estimate the height of the suspects by comparing it to your own height.
• Identify any clothing, markings and shoes of the suspects. Some suspects change their clothes but not their shoes.
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.
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