Safety tips for domestic workers

Spokesperson for Honeydew Police Warrant Officer, Karen Jacobs, reported that they had few incidents where domestic workers have opened gates and doors to strangers or unannounced delivery and repairmen only to fall victims of house robberies.

Jacobs provided tips on how domestic workers should protect themselves:

• When alone at home cleaning or 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 or Telkom.
• Do not go out to the gate when someone is 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 laundry 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 don’t give out any information about the property or your employers.

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

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