Crime Prevention : Safety Tips

In Your Car

• Never drive around with valuables (like your cellphone, handbag, shopping bag or briefcase) on the passenger seat - they could be snatched through a smashed window, even while your car is moving. Always keep your doors locked while in transit.
• When leaving your car, do not hide your valuables under car seats or in the cubbyhole (glove compartment) - these are the first places criminals will check. And never ever leave a firearm unattended in your car!
• Whenever leaving or arriving at your destination -
  • look out for any suspicious persons. If you spot someone suspicious, do whatever you can to avoid him/her and notify the police immediately.
  • do not get out of your car to check malfunctioning electric gates/garage doors. Criminals often damage/jam these to lure you from your vehicle.
• Always keep friends and family notified of your intended whereabouts and what time you expect to return. Think of starting a "cellclub" with your neighbours - call your neighbour from your cellphone as you approach home - look after them and let them look after you! It is an idea that has worked very well in communities where it has been tried.
• When stopping at stop streets or red traffic lights, keep a close watch for any suspicious pedestrians/vendors close to you. If you notice any, observe their movements closely and let them see that you are watching them.
• If another vehicle collides with the rear of your vehicle, check the occupants through your rear-view mirrors before getting out of your car. If they look suspicious, drive to the nearest police station and report the incident immediately.
• If you see a body or a suspicious-looking accident at the side of the road, do not stop to inspect it. Rather drive to the nearest telephone/safe place quickly and safely contact the emergency services and police and inform them of the incident and its location.
• If all else fails and an armed person tries to rob you of your vehicle or property, NEVER offer any resistance. Valuables are replaceable, but your life is not. Simply remain calm and try to memorize as many details of your attackers as possible. As soon as you are able to, contact the police to report the incident.

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