How to stay safe during winter

Winter brings with it shorter days and longer nights, which criminals often use to their advantage.

While the shortest day of the year has come and gone, it will be some time yet until the mornings start getting noticeably lighter earlier and the evenings darker later.

Crimes that increase during this time are robberies, car jackings and domestic violence.

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Perpetrators take advantage of the gloomy weather and darkness, while with colder weather more people tend to stay at home, which could lead to a spike in domestic incidents.

Violence is never an option so couples should seek counselling or try to come up with viable and realistic ways to resolve conflict.

Substance abuse can add fuel to the fire, therefore limit alcohol consumption or avoid having any at home if necessary.

Tips to stay safe
1. If you use public transport, always walk in a group of at least three people, thus not making yourself an easy target.

2. Drivers are urged to be vigilant at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, ensuring their windows are closed and doors locked, and valuables out of sight.

3. Women are warned against making their vehicles ‘feminine’ with girly decorations as they could be at higher risk of being followed and hijacked.

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