Avoid concentrating so hard on shopping that you fail to keep track of your surroundings.
Grip carried items firmly and avoid leaving them unattended.
Shop with friends and relatives if possible; there is safety in numbers.
Keep a close eye on children while shopping.
Return to your vehicle to reduce amount being carried.
Store items in the trunk/boot or well out of sight from onlookers.
Stay alert while arranging items in your vehicle. If someone approaches and you feel uncomfortable, enter vehicle and lock doors.
Visit ATMs at well lit and populated locations, during daylight hours. If anyone is loitering or looks suspicious, go to another ATM.
If apprehensive about any location for any reason, leave.
WHEN YOU TRAVEL
Check for construction detours and for longer trips, obtain a weather forecast.
Inform a friend or family member where you will be, contact numbers and when you expect to return. Give the route of travel.
Travel during daylight hours.
Always carry a mobile telephone with recorded emergency telephone numbers.
Maintain a minimum of one-half tank of fuel.
On longer trips, have water, food, first aid kit and blankets in the vehicle.
If involved in a non-injury accident, in an unsafe location, acknowledge the accident to the other driver(s) and proceed to a safe location. Summon the Police.
If signaled to stop by any vehicle other than a clearly marked law enforcement vehicle, acknowledge the signal and waive the driver to follow to a safe location. Record Jurisdictional Police numbers, call Police, tell them your location and that you are being followed by an unmarked vehicle. Ask Police to send a marked vehicle to your location.
When returning to vehicle, carry keys in hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter quickly. Take a quick look inside vehicle before entering.
REPORTING CRIME It is important to report all crimes to the Police. Making a report does not obligate you to pursue charges against a suspect. It may prevent you, a friend or other person from becoming a victim and may enable the Police to identify, apprehend and take measures to prevent the suspect from committing additional offences.
DPU TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Participate in Community Policing... Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. Endeavour to minimize the risk. TIPS ON SAFEGUARDING YOUR HOME
Do not let strangers into your house and insist on seeing proper identification cards of KPLC, Telkom, NCC or other Government representatives.
Never leave keys to your house or gate unsecured or in dropping points like doormats and flowerpots.
Make sure all spare keys are accounted for and that they are secured.
Do not leave ladders, heavy tools outside the house; these may be used to facilitate a break-in.
If you have a reputable security provider (KSIA Member) inform the senior staff as to the period you will be away and give them a contact number in the event of emergency. Your security company should arrange patrols of your premises or increased supervision during the period you are away.
When you are out of town, ensure that your staff carry out their normal daily routines. Curtains remaining shut during the day and external lights remaining on during the day can advertise your absence to opportunists.
Never employ staff without thoroughly checking their references, photocopy identification documents and avoid employing casual labour. 1
ALARM SYSTEMS
Test your alarm system with the provider to ensure it is working properly when first installed and on a regular basis.
Ensure the alarm system is properly set before leaving the property, especially when proceeding on a trip or holiday.
Notify your security advisor of any prolonged absences from the premises.
DOORS AND WINDOWS
Doors and windows should be constructed of heavy wood or metal frames. Security gates secured to flimsy wooden frames are ineffective. Window and door frames should be of strong metal construction.
Ground floor windows and doors should have strong, not ornamental, grills, with a very good quality, case hardened steel locking device. Depending on ease of access, other floor levels should have similar protection.
Internal safe haven grills/gates should be affixed as with doors and windows, to metal frames. The safe haven grill should assure at least 10 minutes protection from house invaders.
SECURITY LIGHTING
All external security lighting should be subject to a nightly check by the Security Guards – with a check list submitted to the resident on a daily basis.
Repair any defective lights as soon as possible – keeping a store of replacement lights on the property.
Internal lights should be switched off when not in use. 2
VISITORS
Are visitors expected? If not, ensure that the Security guards restrict entry to the compound and notify you of the presence of visitors.
For invited or expected visitors, notify Security Guards of the expected time of arrival, number, names and description of visitors, with a description of the vehicles and registration plates.
Any persons purporting to be Agents of Government or Companies to be refused entry by the Security Guards pending the residents’ approval for entry. Under no circumstances should any visitor enter the compound when owner/tenant not on the property.
Locally hired staff should not be permitted to invite visitors to the compound without prior approval of the owner/tenant.
PARTIES
In the event that a large party is planned it is recommended that the Security Provider supervisor be contacted to review security requirements. Bear in mind that parking of vehicles presents both a congestion and security problem. Additional security should be provided for vehicles parked outside secure compounds.
Ensure any contracted or hired help are from a reputable service and that vehicles and containers are checked by Security Guards at the completion of the festivities.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS
Ensure police and Emergency Hotline numbers are recorded in Mobile Phones. 3
Do not leave personal items unattended in public places.
Do not become involved in any commotion in the streets or a call of distress unless the individuals are well known to you.
Do not walk alone at night on city streets and dark alleys.
Be constantly aware of your surroundings.
Report to the Police any suspicious persons and/or situations.
Make a list of all valuables, including serial numbers and, if possible, photographs of items for reference in the event of fire or theft.
CHILD SAFETY Ensure that hired help are fully checked through identification documents and a background check with the Police, especially for Nannies. As is the way of life with, in many cases, both parents and single parents working, Nannies provide for the children and are with the children more than the parents.
Ensure that young children do not stray from parents in public areas, are accompanied when going to lavatories and never permitted to play in isolated areas.
IF FOLLOWED (ON FOOT)
Cross the street to observe if in fact someone is following.
