Following numerous news reports of follow-home robberies, Fidelity ADT have provided tips for residents to follow.
Executive manager of Fidelity ADT, Stuart Clarkson said it is important to know what to look out for.
Clarkson said, “These days criminals are so professional at what they do, you will probably not even realise that you are being followed.”
He urged residents to always be alert and to never get distracted with cellphones or by children in the car. Checking your mirrors at stop signs regularly or at robots for suspicious vehicles is a must.
“Remember there could be more people involved than just the ones following you. Technology has made it possible for multiple people to communicate and talk about your moves.
“If the one stops, another may just take over from them, so don’t let down your guard and get distracted. They will probably drive past you a few times, then change lanes and fall back again when you least expect it.”
Clarkson and Fidelity ADT shared the following tips if residents suspect they are being followed:
- Make sure you have an emergency number on your cellphone, you need to know who you want to phone in an emergency and dial that number immediately
- Try to keep as calm as possible and stay focused on driving to a safe place
- Do not try and communicate with that vehicle in any way.
- Slow down, it is harder to follow somebody that is driving slowly but just keep moving
- Turn your radio down so you are fully aware of your surroundings
- Put you headlights on bright and put your hazards on, day or night, as you want to attract as much attention as possible and scare away the would be hijackers.
- Do not go home as they will know where you live
- Head for a busy place if possible such as a 24-hour garage, hospital or a police station where it is more difficult to follow you in and where there may be surveillance cameras.
“At the end of the day staying alert is probably the most important tip. Too often we are distracted which makes us vulnerable to criminal activity.”
Edited by Stacey Woensdregt
Share your thoughts on these tips by emailing us at tribune@caxton.co.za
