We would like to share some safety advice from the South African Police Service.
- Know all emergency numbers
- Keep your cellphone in the bedroom
- Never leave keys in a gate or lock
- The locks on outside doors should be changed when you move into a new home or after keys have been lost or stolen
- Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember outside lights that are on during the day draws the attention of thieves.
- Mail left in the gate is also a sign that nobody is at home. Get a friend or neighbour to keep a regular eye on your property and to remove mail and newspapers.
- Use lighting to your advantage:
- Lights that are on inside while it is dark outside put you at a disadvantage
- Lights that are on outside while it is dark inside will allow you to observe what is going on without being seen yourselves.
- Curtains should be closed after dark to prevent suspects from observing the activities inside your home
- Never leave workers or contractor unattended in your home
- Do not leave ladders standing around
- Conduct thorough background checks before employing anyone [ permanent or casual workers].
- Request their identity document and make a copy for safekeeping. Check their references and do security clearances at the police.
- Be careful what is discussed in front of staff.
- Don’t leave your garage, front door or back door open or partially open – it serves as an invitation to burglars
- Inform police of any suspicious characters who you consider to pose a threat.
If your house has been broken into
- Contact your nearest police station immediately
- Wait until fingerprints and statements have been taken before touching anything
- Unless it is absolutely necessary don’t allow private security personnel to enter the house or touch anything before the police have investigated the scene
- Look for strange footprints in the garden and point them out to the police
- A list of the make, model and serial numbers of electrical appliances and other valuable equipment should always be available for investigation purposes.
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