Post by BRAC ONLINE on Jan 6, 2006 6:42:38 GMT -5
From RAC (www.rac.org.za)
RAC CRIME PREVENTION GUIDELINES – December 2005
With Acknowledgement to SAS (Special Armed Services) and ADT Security
As discussed on E-TV's Morning Edition on Thursday 15 December 2005
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES (How to reduce your risk of becoming a crime victim by up to 90%)
• AWARENESS – Use your eyes & Ears and trust your instinct Risk < 50%
• PHYSICAL SECURITY - Alarms, barriers, dogs, armed response etc Risk < 30%
• AVOID CONFRONTATION - Don’t be a hero Risk < 10%
• WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL – ‘Luck’ Risk = 10%
2. UNDERSTAND THE ‘7 Minute’ PRINCIPLE
7 minutes is the critical reaction period which could mean the difference between life & death
3. AROUND THE HOME
• When you go out, turn the telephone volume down so that it cannot be heard ringing unattended.
• Don’t leave notes for family or friends outside your home as potential burglars can, and will, read them.
• Don’t leave tools lying around your yard as this can invite impulse burglars to use them to break into your home.
• Install sensor lights at all outside entrances.
• Remove any shrubs and trees next to your house that may conceal a burglar trying to break in.
• Let your dogs sleep inside – their primary function is warning not biting!
• Install a home security system with Alarm Monitoring and Armed Response.
• Install deadlocks on your outside doors and ensure any hinges are on the inside.
• Start with perimeter security to buy yourself time.
• Don’t leave keys in hiding places outside your home. Burglars know most of the hiding places.
• If you buy a new appliance for your home, such as a television set or home computer, be sure to crush and conceal the boxes in your rubbish.
• Photograph and keep a written register of all valuables with serial numbers.
• Store valuable documents, such as insurance policies and assets register, with your lawyer or bank.
• Store emergency contact numbers into your phone memory and label them clearly to allow fast dialling in an emergency.
• Every six months or so, inspect your home as if you have been locked out without your keys. How would you get in? Examine any weak spots and be mindful that if you can get inside, so could someone else!
• Create a ‘safe cell’ around your sleeping area.
• Do not enter your home if you see traces of forced entry. Go to a neighbour, contact the police and note the description of any unknown cars or people near you home
• Should you detect an intruder, do not confront them. Panic can sometimes turn a petty theft into a more dangerous crime.
• If a stranger requests to use your phone, make the call for them. Don’t let them inside, if they claim to have an emergency, such as their car breaking down, take their details with your security gate closed and make the phone call on their behalf.
• Never advise a stranger that you are at home on your own.
• Do not let strangers into your home! Identification cards are required for all legitimate companies. If you are at all unsure about a person at your front door, take down their identification details, and ensure you lock the door before calling their company for verification.
• If you receive a nuisance telephone call, say nothing and hang up the phone fast. If they continue, contact the police and your telephone company. Also consider installing a telephone answering machine or a phone with caller identification so that you can screen you calls before answering them.
• Do not give personal information to an unknown caller, even if they claim to be from a legitimate organisation. If you have any doubts, ask to take their contact details and telephone them back.
4. IN PUBLIC PLACES
• If you carry a handbag, keep it close to your body at all times. If you use a wallet, keep it in an inside jacket pocket, or front pocket. Try not to carry more cash than you will need.
• Be wary of being followed home from shopping centres.
• If someone does attempt to snatch it from you, don’t unnecessarily fight or resist them. No amount of money is worth the risk of personal injury.
• If you use public transport, follow the timetables so you do not have to wait an extended time at either a station or bus stop.
• If a friend or taxi driver takes you home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside.
• Walk with other commuters whenever you can, along roads with footpaths, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights.
• Avoid walking in isolated places at night. If you must, wear something light coloured and carry a torch. It is also advisable to carry a personal alarm siren.
• If someone does attempt to grab you, yell “fire” loudly as this may help attract more attention than just crying, “help”.
• If you think you are being followed while you are walking, turn to see if someone is there instead of being caught by surprise. Walk into the nearest shop or offices where there are other people around and advise someone that you think you are being followed.
• If you withdraw money from an ATM, select a machine in a well populated and well lit area. Put your money in your purse or wallet before you walk away from the machine.
5. WHEN GOING AWAY ON HOLIDAY
• Lock up the house.
• Close all windows & curtains.
• Have your lights on timer switches.
• Don’t leave valuables or firearms lying around inside the house.
• Check your Burglar Alarm – Service if necessary.
• Have your garden maintained if possible.
• Inform your neighbours or get someone to keep an eye on your home.
• Leave keys, alarm codes and your contact numbers with a trusted person.
• Switch off your gate intercom & turn down your telephone volume.
• Ask your security company/police department if they have a “Vacation Check” program.
• Make your house look as lived in as possible.
• Arrange to have your mail cleared (either by your neighbours or speak to your local Post Office about holding your mail) and cancel any other regular deliveries (such as milk and the paper).
6. PREVENTING ARMED-ROBBERIES
• Invest in realistic security measures, e.g. reliable alarms with panic buttons and CCTV.
• Avoid holding large sums of cash on the premises.
• Bank large sums of money immediately.
• Make use of drop safe systems and security companies where possible.
• Constantly change routines, especially when banking the money.
• Train employees to be observant and vigilant.
• Never cash up in front of clients or employees. Use a separate area or office.
7. PREVENTING HI-JACKINGS
• Be observant of your surroundings at all times, it can happen to you.
• If you are suspicious of a situation, drive away, stay clear of the area and phone the police.
• Keep doors locked, windows closed and valuables out of sight.
• Do not respond to other motorists or pedestrians indicating something is wrong with your vehicle. Drive to the nearest garage or police station.
• In cases of a breakdown, phone the emergency services, insurance company (if relevant) immediately.
• Beware of people asking for directions.
• Keep your house keys and car keys separate.
• Do not try to remove or move obstacles in the road. If safe to do so, drive around them and report it to the Metropolitan Police Department or SAPS.
• Avoid routine routes to and from work, shops, etc.
• Avoid quiet streets or areas, and areas notorious for Hi-jackings.
• NEVER pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
8. PERSONAL DEFENCE
• Common sense is the best defence.
• Always inform someone of your plans and your destination.
• Never walk alone.
• Do not look vulnerable.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not walk in dark, isolated areas.
• Do not wear extravagant jewellery in public.
• Hold your handbag tightly, and close to your body.
• Trust your instincts.
• Walk facing the traffic.
• Do not hitch-hike.
• Learn to defend yourself.
9. SAFETY AROUND THE OFFICE
• Never leave handbags or wallets on table.
• Keep money in safe place.
• Do not leave keys lying around.
• Lock the office door when not occupied.
• Never leave someone alone in your office.
• Do not lend keys to colleagues.
• If possible lock valuables away.
• Be alert of strangers in the building.
REPORT ALL CRIME TO 10111
RAC CRIME PREVENTION GUIDELINES – December 2005
With Acknowledgement to SAS (Special Armed Services) and ADT Security
As discussed on E-TV's Morning Edition on Thursday 15 December 2005
1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES (How to reduce your risk of becoming a crime victim by up to 90%)
• AWARENESS – Use your eyes & Ears and trust your instinct Risk < 50%
• PHYSICAL SECURITY - Alarms, barriers, dogs, armed response etc Risk < 30%
• AVOID CONFRONTATION - Don’t be a hero Risk < 10%
• WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL – ‘Luck’ Risk = 10%
2. UNDERSTAND THE ‘7 Minute’ PRINCIPLE
7 minutes is the critical reaction period which could mean the difference between life & death
3. AROUND THE HOME
• When you go out, turn the telephone volume down so that it cannot be heard ringing unattended.
• Don’t leave notes for family or friends outside your home as potential burglars can, and will, read them.
• Don’t leave tools lying around your yard as this can invite impulse burglars to use them to break into your home.
• Install sensor lights at all outside entrances.
• Remove any shrubs and trees next to your house that may conceal a burglar trying to break in.
• Let your dogs sleep inside – their primary function is warning not biting!
• Install a home security system with Alarm Monitoring and Armed Response.
• Install deadlocks on your outside doors and ensure any hinges are on the inside.
• Start with perimeter security to buy yourself time.
• Don’t leave keys in hiding places outside your home. Burglars know most of the hiding places.
• If you buy a new appliance for your home, such as a television set or home computer, be sure to crush and conceal the boxes in your rubbish.
• Photograph and keep a written register of all valuables with serial numbers.
• Store valuable documents, such as insurance policies and assets register, with your lawyer or bank.
• Store emergency contact numbers into your phone memory and label them clearly to allow fast dialling in an emergency.
• Every six months or so, inspect your home as if you have been locked out without your keys. How would you get in? Examine any weak spots and be mindful that if you can get inside, so could someone else!
• Create a ‘safe cell’ around your sleeping area.
• Do not enter your home if you see traces of forced entry. Go to a neighbour, contact the police and note the description of any unknown cars or people near you home
• Should you detect an intruder, do not confront them. Panic can sometimes turn a petty theft into a more dangerous crime.
• If a stranger requests to use your phone, make the call for them. Don’t let them inside, if they claim to have an emergency, such as their car breaking down, take their details with your security gate closed and make the phone call on their behalf.
• Never advise a stranger that you are at home on your own.
• Do not let strangers into your home! Identification cards are required for all legitimate companies. If you are at all unsure about a person at your front door, take down their identification details, and ensure you lock the door before calling their company for verification.
• If you receive a nuisance telephone call, say nothing and hang up the phone fast. If they continue, contact the police and your telephone company. Also consider installing a telephone answering machine or a phone with caller identification so that you can screen you calls before answering them.
• Do not give personal information to an unknown caller, even if they claim to be from a legitimate organisation. If you have any doubts, ask to take their contact details and telephone them back.
4. IN PUBLIC PLACES
• If you carry a handbag, keep it close to your body at all times. If you use a wallet, keep it in an inside jacket pocket, or front pocket. Try not to carry more cash than you will need.
• Be wary of being followed home from shopping centres.
• If someone does attempt to snatch it from you, don’t unnecessarily fight or resist them. No amount of money is worth the risk of personal injury.
• If you use public transport, follow the timetables so you do not have to wait an extended time at either a station or bus stop.
• If a friend or taxi driver takes you home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside.
• Walk with other commuters whenever you can, along roads with footpaths, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights.
• Avoid walking in isolated places at night. If you must, wear something light coloured and carry a torch. It is also advisable to carry a personal alarm siren.
• If someone does attempt to grab you, yell “fire” loudly as this may help attract more attention than just crying, “help”.
• If you think you are being followed while you are walking, turn to see if someone is there instead of being caught by surprise. Walk into the nearest shop or offices where there are other people around and advise someone that you think you are being followed.
• If you withdraw money from an ATM, select a machine in a well populated and well lit area. Put your money in your purse or wallet before you walk away from the machine.
5. WHEN GOING AWAY ON HOLIDAY
• Lock up the house.
• Close all windows & curtains.
• Have your lights on timer switches.
• Don’t leave valuables or firearms lying around inside the house.
• Check your Burglar Alarm – Service if necessary.
• Have your garden maintained if possible.
• Inform your neighbours or get someone to keep an eye on your home.
• Leave keys, alarm codes and your contact numbers with a trusted person.
• Switch off your gate intercom & turn down your telephone volume.
• Ask your security company/police department if they have a “Vacation Check” program.
• Make your house look as lived in as possible.
• Arrange to have your mail cleared (either by your neighbours or speak to your local Post Office about holding your mail) and cancel any other regular deliveries (such as milk and the paper).
6. PREVENTING ARMED-ROBBERIES
• Invest in realistic security measures, e.g. reliable alarms with panic buttons and CCTV.
• Avoid holding large sums of cash on the premises.
• Bank large sums of money immediately.
• Make use of drop safe systems and security companies where possible.
• Constantly change routines, especially when banking the money.
• Train employees to be observant and vigilant.
• Never cash up in front of clients or employees. Use a separate area or office.
7. PREVENTING HI-JACKINGS
• Be observant of your surroundings at all times, it can happen to you.
• If you are suspicious of a situation, drive away, stay clear of the area and phone the police.
• Keep doors locked, windows closed and valuables out of sight.
• Do not respond to other motorists or pedestrians indicating something is wrong with your vehicle. Drive to the nearest garage or police station.
• In cases of a breakdown, phone the emergency services, insurance company (if relevant) immediately.
• Beware of people asking for directions.
• Keep your house keys and car keys separate.
• Do not try to remove or move obstacles in the road. If safe to do so, drive around them and report it to the Metropolitan Police Department or SAPS.
• Avoid routine routes to and from work, shops, etc.
• Avoid quiet streets or areas, and areas notorious for Hi-jackings.
• NEVER pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
8. PERSONAL DEFENCE
• Common sense is the best defence.
• Always inform someone of your plans and your destination.
• Never walk alone.
• Do not look vulnerable.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not walk in dark, isolated areas.
• Do not wear extravagant jewellery in public.
• Hold your handbag tightly, and close to your body.
• Trust your instincts.
• Walk facing the traffic.
• Do not hitch-hike.
• Learn to defend yourself.
9. SAFETY AROUND THE OFFICE
• Never leave handbags or wallets on table.
• Keep money in safe place.
• Do not leave keys lying around.
• Lock the office door when not occupied.
• Never leave someone alone in your office.
• Do not lend keys to colleagues.
• If possible lock valuables away.
• Be alert of strangers in the building.
REPORT ALL CRIME TO 10111