Police issue safety tips

They offered the following personal safety tips:

• Know your environment well enough to recognise which people should and should not be there.
• Drivers should lock their doors and close their windows while driving.
• Keep their eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.
• If people are staying at home, try to vary routes to places regularly visited.
• Ensure all car mirrors are adjusted for an optimal all-round view of surroundings
• Try to stop about 5m behind the car in front at traffic lights and stop streets – this makes it easier to get away if trouble arises.

Drivers are warned not to be fooled by people appealing for help, like someone trying to get help from a stationary car. Police suggest residents advise their security companies if they are going away and ensure the company has the necessary information in case of an emergency. They also advise residents to inform their neighbours of holiday plans and ask them to collect the post. Midrand police Constable Matome Tlamela said, “A bulging post box is a dead giveaway that you are not at home. If hiring a house sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use the alarm correctly. Double check that you have secured windows and doors before leaving home.”

More safety tips include:

• Outside locks should be a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder locks for maximum security.
• Having security gates fitted on outer doors is a highly effective security measure that gives an extra line of defence.
• Sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Make sure that the sliding door cannot be lifted vertically.
• Full fencing and sturdy gates are a good deterrent, as is have good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer.
• Do not leave tools like ladders or spades outside as they can be used to break into the house.
• Clear signage indicating that you have security also helps.