Domestic workers are taught safety tips

Douglasdale police with members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF), Emer-G-Med and Night Guard Security held a safety talk with domestic workers.

The initiative was held at the Olivewood Estate in Olivedale on February 8. The spokesperson of Douglasdale Police Station Captain Mpho Tshetlane said the initiative was to help domestic workers be aware of crimes and the safety tips they should adhere to in case of emergency.

“The purpose was to address safety challenges that include armed robberies, common robberies, domestic violence and home safety (house robberies and burglary) including first aid and trauma counselling,” she said.

Safety Tips to avoid common robberies:

• Don’t walk or jog alone in the dark areas
• Open spaces are very dangerous to walk or jog alone
• Leave valuables at home when jogging
• Wear light, reflective or brightly coloured clothing
• Vary your jogging routine pattern, don’t be predictable
• Let your friend or family member know where you are going or intended route
• Run or jog against the traffic so that you could observe traffic
• Be in possession of your point of contact and in terms of emergency, report any suspicious characters to the police.

In terms of housebreaking and robbery, police advised that residents should always be on the lookout for suspicious people and vehicles.

Some of the safety tips to avoid housebreaking and robbery:

• Enhance security through fitting access doors with security gates and instal burglar bars on windows
• Request neighbours to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period
• Do not open doors and gate for strangers
• Ensure that your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached easily and are not lying around uncontrolled
• Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each outer door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows are recommended
• An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent
• Security lights on the outside of the house improve the physical protection of a house, farm or smallholding
• Ensure that all doors are locked at all times and that windows are closed when you are not at home