SAFETY TIPS

 

How not to be a hijack victim.

* Drivers must avoid establishing, fixed traveling patterns. This increases the risk of victimization by observant potential hijackers.
* Avoid areas with high incidences of carjacking if possible, for example roads near high-risk areas such as squatter camps.
* Keep on driving, avoid unnecessary stops, especially at night and along isolated roads.
* Drive away quickly if someone suspicious is approaching your stationary vehicle.
* Be ready for the unexpected while on the road. The hijacker can strike anywhere, anytime.
* Whenever possible use roads with a continuous traffic flow.
* Always be on the alert near gates, driveways or garages.
* Make sure you are not followed to and from your home. If you are followed, go to the nearest police station or a place where there are many people. Avoid quiet streets or areas.
* Always keep the doors locked and windows closed
* Avoid walking around with vehicle keys in your hand.
* Don’t pick up hitchhikers, for your safety as well as theirs. You may have to drop them off later and taxis will avoid picking them up at night.
* Always park your car in a well-lit, open location. Parking in the dark will make you an easy target.
* Keep an eye on your neighbors’ houses, ask them to do the same and report the presence of loiterers to the police.
* Do not stop at accident scenes but rather report the matter to the police/ambulance services.
* If you encounter obstacles in the road such as stones or tyre's, do not alight from your vehicle to remove them. It is advisable to reverse and drive away quickly in the opposite direction.
* Be vigilant when you approach your parked vehicle or before you get out of your vehicle.
* If you break down on the road, go to the nearest emergency telephone. Do not wait for other motorists to come to your assistance. Your vehicle may be towed away by hijackers pretending to help you.
* Don’t stop to eat or rest on lonely roads but rather use resting places provided at filling stations.
* If you arrive home and become suspicious that something is out of place, for example your dogs don’t welcome you as they usually do, don’t get out to check. Rather go immediately to the nearest police station.
* At filling stations, don’t leave your vehicle unattended. It is not the task of the petrol attended to safeguard your vehicle.
* Don’t respond to persons indicating that there is something wrong with your vehicle while you are driving. Drive to the nearest garage.
* Report suspicious persons and vehicles to your nearest police station or by calling Crime Stop at 0800-10111
* Be on the lookout for suspicious persons when stopping at stop signs or while driving in city traffic, especially in quiet areas or at night.
* Trucks should be clearly marked on the roof of the driver’s cab to make identification from the air possible.
* Don’t get out of your car when a person bumps it from behind under suspicious circumstances. Rather drive to a police station where you can report it.
* Be vigilant when fetching post from postboxes in the morning and in the late afternoon or evening.
* Remember if you become a victim of carjacking, don’t resist. Your life is more valuable then the most expensive car.
* Be aware that hijackers sometimes impersonate police or traffic officials. They use vehicles with flashing blue lights and some even have access to police uniforms.

There are no hard and fast rules regarding hijacking. On occasion when people have obeyed the orders of criminals, they have been shot anyway. The same has happened to victims who have resisted. Obviously, it may be wise for an unarmed victim in particular to comply with the orders of an armed attacker. If however, it becomes evident that the attacker is going to harm you anyway, or if you are able to defend yourself adequately, then it is your right to act in self-defense and this includes the use of a firearm.

 

 

How to avoid being a victim of ATM fraud.

* Always stand close to the ATM when keying in your PIN, so that others cannot see your number.
* Never give your PIN to anyone, not even your family or friends.
* Your PIN is not required when canceling your card. A favorite trick is for a crook to jam the ATM in some way and then, when your card gets stuck, to offer you his cell phone to cancel your card. He hands you his phone after he has dialed the card cancellation number himself, but in reality he has dialed an accomplice who then asks you for your PIN. If anyone asks for your PIN, do not give it. No genuine bank employee will ask you for it.
* Change your PIN at an ATM as often as you like, especially if you suspect that someone might know it. Select a number that is simple, easy to use and memorize it.
* Be alert and don’t allow yourself to be distracted when using the ATM. Be particularly on your guard if you feel that you are being crowded or jostled.
* Never let anyone else handle your card.
* Never help a stranger who asks for assistance at an ATM, especially if it involves handling your card-it could be switched in the blink of an eye. If you have any difficulties operating the ATM yourself, cancel the transaction and ask the branch staff for assistance.
* Remember to retrieve your card from the machine after completing a transaction. Make sure the card in your possession is your own immediately before and after your transaction.
* Always put your card away safely in your wallet/handbag before walking away from the ATM.
* Cancel lost or stolen cards as soon as you can. There are three ways to cancel your card:

* Change your daily cash withdrawal limit to a lower amount if you feel the present limit is too high for your needs.

* If any suspicious-looking characters are hanging around the ATM, avoid using that machine and report the matter to the nearest branch or police station.

 

 

Safety tips for woman.

 

One of the best ways to defend yourself is by being mentally alert and aware of your surroundings.

Always consider the following, when traveling by day or night:

* If you use public transport, try whenever possible to board at a taxi/bus rank where there are queue marshals in attendance, so you know you are boarding a recognized, legitimate taxi with traceable details.

* If you have to use public transport after dark, avoid deserted taxi/bus shelters and arrange for someone to accompany you to the bus stop or station and, where possible, meet you at the other side if you are traveling alone.

* Always observe your surroundings when traveling by train, bus or taxi and scrutinize the other passengers. Make a note of what they look like, as well as any distinguishing features or markings. Change seats if you feel uncomfortable.

* If you can avoid it, don’t travel for long distances with only the driver present.

* Always be alert and observant when walking down the street. A self-confidant attitude puts off would-be attackers.

* Try to avoid short cuts through open fields, parks and back roads. If you hear footsteps or suspect that you are being followed, change direction or run to a well-lit place. Never be afraid to scream or make a noise.

* Don’t overload yourself with parcels. This makes you more vulnerable. Carry the bare minimum of cash and wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

* Be wary of people who stop and offer you something, even employment. Keep a safe physical distance from this person. Never follow someone home or to his car if he offers you employment. Take his details. If his offer is legitimate, he will have no problem giving you some details.

* Watch out if people start milling around you. This could be a sign that you

are about to be robbed.

* Always insist on seeing an ID card if a stranger claims to represent a law enforcement department, including the police. It is your right to ask for this information.

* Be well "armed" when walking alone. This does not mean carrying a gun. Umbrellas, canes, spray-guns or pepper canisters can all be good weapons. Keep a whistle on you and make a lot of noise.

* Watch out for loiterers and don’t carry large sums of money. Credit cards, drivers’ licenses and keys should be carried in a coat pocket or concealed on your person.

* If you do carry a purse or handbag, Don’t wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. Never carry a purse openly.

* When traveling at night, always use well-lit and busy streets; avoid unlit or dimly lit areas. Walk in the middle of the sidewalk and never loiter in deserted areas. Never hitchhike or accept lifts.

* Walk on the side of the street facing oncoming traffic. If bothered by anyone driving a car, run away in the opposite direction.

* When returning home, particularly after dark, do not linger at the entrance of your residence. Enter immediately. Should you suspect that someone has broken into your home while you were out, go to the neighbor or call for assistance.

* Make sure your car is always in good running condition, with good tyre's and an adequate amount of fuel for your planned trip.

* Always check your car before entry-make sure no one is hiding inside.

* Always lock your garage doors before going out anywhere.

* When driving your car, keep all the doors and windows locked.

* It is best to park your car in attended parking lots. If you must leave a key with an attendant, leave only the car key.

* Park only in well-lit areas at night, so you can see any suspicious-looking characters.

* If you are in danger in your car, sound the hooter. If possible travel with another person, especially after dark, and never pick up a hitchhiker.

* If you have a flat tyre in an unsafe area, continue driving until you reach a safe place.

* If alone, never stop for a body or seemingly injured person in the road. Drive to the nearest house or telephone and report the incident.

* Always look inside lifts before getting in. Wait if you are uncertain about occupants. Women using a lift, while alone, should stand close to the control panel. If molested, press all the buttons.

* Be alert, and if a suspicious person enters the lift, leave before the door closes.

* At home always identify all callers before admitting them and do not admit strangers.

* It is advisable to have a wide-angle peephole in the door so that you can identify people.

* Install a security gate on all the outside doors.

 

 

How to avoid a smash-and-grab attack.

 

* Keep your windows closed. Statistics indicate that in most cases motorists are targeted because of easy access through open windows.

* Always keep your doors locked. If you are a passenger in a vehicle which has central locking, make it your responsibility to ensure that the driver locks all doors.

* Keep valuables out of view. Handbags, money and parcels should be kept in the boot and not on the seat or where it is easily visible. It is not a good idea for your passenger to be holding valuables either on their lap or on the seat. Passengers are also targets.

* If you have to use a cell phone in the vehicle, make your conversation as short as possible so you are not distracted. Your attention must be on your environment. Alertness is your best weapon against crime.

* Be on your guard against distractions in any form. Statistics show that criminals use pamphlet distributors, parking attendants and beggars as opportunities. While you are distracted they strike. Use your rear view and side mirrors to monitor activities around your car.

* If you feel threatened by someone standing close to your car and you are unable to drive away, blow your hooter to attract the attention of other drivers.

* Please make a mental note of any physical characteristics or attributes which would make identification of a criminal easier, for example scars, clothing, build, age.