IT is not possible for the SAPS to reduce crime in your area unless you, the community, assist. Assistance does not mean one has to expose oneself to danger.
Here are a few safety hints to follow:
• Upgrade your locks, as they might be old and rusty.
• Replace your outside light bulbs if they are not working.
• Install ‘eyes’ from your security company if there are areas in your garden where criminals might be able to gain entrance onto your premises.
• Arrange with family members to keep all valuables secure and to lock doors and windows when leaving home. It is a good practice to keep doors locked, whether anyone is at home or not.
• Get to know your neighbours so that you can always ask them for assistance if something goes wrong.
• Ask your neighbours to watch for suspicious activity when the house is vacant.
• Keep your garden neat and tidy – cut all long grass and branches that might make good hiding places.
• If you have an alleyway behind your house, have some form of lighting that is activated when people walk past so that you are aware of what is happening if you are home.
• Do not leave keys under doormats or in postboxes or even in a flower bed that is next to the door.
• Do not leave things lying around in your yard that could assist a criminal to gain entrance into your house – for example, a stepladder for climbing onto the roof.
• Never leave valuable items near windows or doors.
• Emphasise the need for security with your domestic workers and ensure that they are able to use these safety measures if they have to.
• Always replace the house keys if moving into new premises.
For more information contact Booysens SAPS Communication Officer Captain Lorraine van Emmerik on 011 433 5282.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
