Honeydew Police hold awareness campaign for domestic workers
'We train them on different crime-prevention strategies, household protection, and what suspicious factors to look out for, as well as where and how to communicate this with our Visible Policing members.'
On Wednesday March 30 members of the Honeydew Police held a workshop for domestic workers at Klein Constantia Guest House in Weltevreden Park. This was part of an initiative to educate domestic workers on how to be more security conscience and assist in crime prevention.
They were joined by John Baisley, chairperson of the Neighbourhood Association in the area as well as Dowry Security.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Dave Stanton said, “Due to the fact that most residential areas are largely vacated during the day by homeowners leaving for work, these residential areas can become susceptible to housebreakings, theft and house robberies. Due to the presence of household employees during the working weekdays, we decided to leverage their presence and provide them with training on how to become more security conscious and assist us with local crime prevention,” he said.
“We train them on different crime-prevention strategies, household protection, and what suspicious factors to look out for, as well as where and how to communicate this with our Visible Policing members. So far this educational and networking programme has proved beneficial in curbing daytime residential area crimes.”
Sector 2 manager Warrant Officer Nicholas Makhura highlighted tips for the domestic workers to keep in mind.
Leaving the home during the course of the day with keys should be kept to a minimum and avoided if possible. When taking out refuse or cutting grass on the outside perimeter of homes, be especially observant and careful.
When domestic workers are approached during the day by anyone claiming to be working for the owner, such as plumbers and pool cleaners; or anyone claiming to be from the municipality or Eskom, they should never open for them without prior arrangement with or confirmation from their employers.
WhatsApp groups divided into sectors or per street are a great security enhancer. Household employees are encouraged to set these up and also request their employers to assist them in doing this.
If you are a homeowner, always ensure that household employees have the correct and updated telephone numbers of your local police station, security companies and emergency services. Make sure your staff are security conscience and advised of safety protocols. If you would like such a workshop to be provided for your household employees, you can approach your local Residential Association, Sector Police Forum or Honeydew Community Policing Forum.
