Safety tips over the holiday season

POLOKWANE – Crime often increases during the holidays, and with this in mind, Review found some useful safety tips on the police’s website at www.saps.gov.za

 

Safety at home:

• All windows must have bars.

• Fix security doors to the house.

• Security gates will block free entry to a property.

• Razor wire on walls.

• Additional locking devices on doors.

• Strengthening of doors.

• Peepholes in the doors to make sure it is safe before opening.

• Safety chains to doors to prevent unwanted access to the house.

• Intercom system between the home and gate.

 

ATM safety:

• Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM.

• Never give your card or PIN (Personal Identification Number) to anyone, for any reason.

• Do not write your PIN on the card or anything that is kept with the card.

• Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen.

• Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM.

• Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as shield to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin.

• Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swap or take your card.

• Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help.

• Criminals work in teams: one to distract you while the other steals your card or money.

• If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM it is advisable to phone your bank toll free stop card line immediately and stop your card.

• Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf; they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped.

• Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions.

• If you need help, ask a bank official.

• It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch.

 

Safety awareness in a vehicle:

• Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition when you plan to go on a journey.

• Ensure that the fuel tank of your vehicle always has sufficient fuel.

• Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed.

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.

• Avoid stopping at remote places.

• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.

• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide. Only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion.

• If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.

• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.

• Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible.

• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.

• If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.

• Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.

• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.

• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car.

• Your life is more valuable than your possessions.

• Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon.

• Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.

• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.

• Do not give strangers a lift.

• A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device.

• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.

• Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.

 

General safety tips:

• Never walk around alone and don’t talk to strangers. Be on the lookout for strange cars or people.

• Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible.

• Make sure your home is secure, and become a member of an armed response service. Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers or have them displayed in an accessible area.

• Always let someone know where you are going and how long you will be gone. But think twice before advertising your impending absence on social media. Criminals also have access to Facebook and Twitter.

• Know all the relevant emergency numbers.

• Trust your instinct.

• Avoid going onto a congested street where you cannot even walk properly, that is where you will find criminals pick pocketing.

• Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.