Don’t fall into these common traps
'Criminals also have a few tricks of their own' – Security company warns public.
Just like we have to know a few clever ingenious tricks to complete our daily tasks, whether it’s preparing for a meeting or cooking a meal, criminals also have a few tricks of their own.
Linda Reeder, Fidelity ADT Community Development Manager, says it is worth ensuring everyone in the family, including all domestic staff, take a few moments to familiarise themselves with safety procedures.
“Unfortunately, we cannot always take things at face value and it is far better to be cautious and check out credentials and signs than be left in a dangerous or compromising situation. Most importantly never ignore your sixth sense,” says Reeder.
She provides the following useful list of do’s and don’ts:
DO NOT:
• Don’t just assume your family members know about the tricks fraudsters often employ
• Don’t go out when someone shouts for help or rings your bell to say that they have been hurt
• Don’t just go outside onto the pavement to check your electricity box if the electricity suddenly goes off.
• Don’t go outside if there is a tap running for no reason.
• Don’t just open the door for unannounced people that are selling something, for service providers or job seekers
• Don’t just presume everyone has all the correct emergency numbers
• Don’t go out without activating your alarm
• Don’t talk on your phone when approaching your home
• Don’t just assume your panic button and alarm is working
• Don’t relax when there is a power outage.
DO:
• Get them together and discuss safety with your family, not to scare them but to empower them. Especially young children that have not been exposed to these tricks
• Phone the police, your security company and/or CPF to alert them of the incident.
• First check if there is an area power outage. If not it may be safer to contact an outside contractor
• This could be a ploy to entice you outside to open up your home. Rather contact your security provider to check your premis.
• They could be impersonators. Always ensure a formal appointment has been made.
• Take time now to check that you have all the correct up-to-date numbers you need for an emergency and if your children are old enough for cell phones, make sure they have the emergency numbers as well. They should be kept visibly on the fridge or somewhere centrally
• No matter how short the period is, take time to secure your home first.
• This is where you need to be on high alert for someone who may be following you. Criminals generally don’t just come out of nowhere
• Test these regularly at least once a month in non-peak hours
• Stay alert and have a plan of action in case of an emergency. Keep your panic button close.
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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