Domestic staff continue to be easy targets for criminals

With most of the housebreaking and robberies that were reported recently, domestic workers actually fell into the trap of alleged criminals. Spokesperson for Honeydew Police Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs said in some instances the alleged perpetrators posed as potential home buyers. “Sometimes the domestic worker knows that the house is up for sale and they would let anyone in who would claim to be interested in buying the house then the robbery would occur,” said WO Jacobs. She added that the houses targeted were not only the ones on sale.

Safety tips for domestic workers to employ at all times:

•  When alone at home cleaning / working make sure that all the doors and windows are closed and locked.
•  Do not allow anyone onto the property before confirming with the home owner that they are expected, for example electricians, meter readers and Telkom.
•  Do not go out to the gate when someone in pressing the intercom or calling, rather talk over the intercom or through a window from inside the house.
•  Be careful when putting out or fetching rubbish bins. Look around for any suspicious people and close the gate immediately.
•  Be careful when hanging up or bringing in washing as suspects can jump over the wall and attack you. Be quick when you are outside and go back into the house, locking the door again.
•  Do not leave keys in the doors or security gates.
•  If there is a panic button, carry it at all times, preferably where it is not visible.
•  Make sure you always know an emergency number and the address where you are in case of an emergency.
•  Do not trust anyone and do not give out any information about the property or your employers.

Details: Honeydew Police Emergency Phone Number: 011 801 8613/4/5