ADT Security has reminded the public that accurate and detailed descriptions of criminals can greatly help in busting crime.
Theunis Kotze, the company’s general manager Inland Region, said, “Security companies and law enforcement agencies need to have an accurate description of the suspect to assist them in tracking down the perpetrator.
“Becoming a victim of crime is understandably a scary and traumatic experience, and one’s first instinct is not always to be calm and observant. We believe however that with some coaching this can be changed.”
The company regularly hosts workshops and information sessions with communities where participants learn about providing accurate reports when put in a similar situation to what one might encounter as a victim of crime.
Kotze provided a few tips:
- Don’t make direct eye contact with the perpetrator.
- Make mental notes of what the person was wearing, and be as precise as possible. This includes logos, colours, and any other distinguishing marks.
- Note whether there was anything striking about the way the person spoke. For example, did he/she speak with a lisp or have an accent?
- Note whether the person has any distinguishing facial features, tattoos or scars.
- If there was a getaway vehicle involved, note the make, model and colour of the car. Try to remember the licence plate number, if possible, and any distinguishing features such as mag wheels or scratch marks.
“If you are attentive to any possible risks, there is a likelihood of avoiding them. Equally, if you are able to provide police or your security company with as much detail as possible of the perpetrator it will help law enforcement agencies in identifying the suspect and hopefully quickly putting them behind bars,” concluded Kotze.
Read more:
Police tips on securing your home
Top tips to foil smash and grabs
