Police provide tips to agents following murder

After the recent murder of Ruimsig Re/Max real estate agent, Hanle Lategan, people everywhere have taken extra care in keeping themselves safe when meeting potential clients.

Spokesperson for Honeydew Police Station, Warrant Officer, Karen Jacobs gave tips to ensure that you are safe when you meet people for appointments after hours.

1. Always inform your office of where you will be, who you will be with and when you will be in touch again.

2. Each office should have a file on each agent’s vehicle with the make, year, model, colour and licence plate number.

3. Don’t agree to a private showing unless you’ve already met a client in your office.

4. Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, remove yourself from the situation.

5. If something bad happens, you want to be prepared for the worst. Protect yourself with self-defence classes.

6. Leave your purse, jewelry, everything but your car keys and cellphone, in the trunk of your car. Place it in the trunk before you arrive to a showing or open house.

7. Criminals are less likely to attack if there are witnesses.

8. Always be crime-prevention aware at all times of day and night, it is far better to be safe than sorry.

9. Make sure you have emergency phone numbers available on your phone as well written down in your vehicle.

Captain Appel Ernst, communications officer from Randfontein SAPS, also provided readers with tips for keeping safe.

1. Pre-identify clients/buyers. Any potential client not willing to properly identify him or herself should be treated with suspicion.

2. A good practice is to have the first meeting in your office. Make sure your office is secured.

3. If you are in doubt take a second person with you.

4. Arrange to meet strangers in public places and do not deviate from this venue.

Details: Honeydew SAPS, 011 801 8400.

Related articles:

Colleague pays tribute to murdered agent