We are bombarded daily with new criminal MO’s and the latest shocking house breaking stats. We are flooded with advertising from security companies and insurance brokers, new and improved alarm systems, thermal imaging and so much more. It’s easy to see why the average South African suffers from a type of mental exhaustion that sees us shrug our shoulders and turn away when it comes to security awareness.
It’s understandable, but it’s not ideal.
Most of us have some sort of security in place, whether it be a home alarm and armed response, a car immobiliser and tracking system, burglar bars or just a large can of pepper spray.
But security awareness from a preventative point of view is a different topic altogether.
House breaking, armed robbery and hijacking are daily occurrences here in South Africa as can be seen by these alarming stats. Due to economic issues in our country which are bigger than us, it’s reasonable to expect that these criminal elements aren’t going anywhere fast.
MiAssist are critically aware of these issues, and we are often front-line responders when they occur.
But we don’t want to be.
We would rather they didn’t happen at all. And to that end we’d like to offer you a comprehensive list of preventative measures that you can take in order to keep yourself and your loved ones on the cutting edge of security awareness.
We encourage you to print this list and put it somewhere visible for you and your family as a continual reminder.
Don’t Be An Easy Target
Hi-Jacking
- Keep your car windows closed and your doors locked at all times, especially when approaching an intersection or in traffic where you need to slow down.
- Always try to park in well-lit and public places with a dedicated security guard or in a paid parking area.
- If you visit a bank to draw cash regularly, vary your route and timing.
- If you are drawing large amount of cash, encourage the recipient to meet you at the bank to hand over the money and try not to get in your car with it.
- Use cards where possible and try not to carry cash.
- Remain aware of your surroundings when entering and leaving your home. Encourage a family member to watch you with a panic button at the ready just in case.
- Keep driveway access free of shrubs and well-lit.
- Never pick up hitchhikers. Ever.
Smash & Grab
- Don’t use your phone while you’re in the car, rather keep it in your bag or cubby. Encourage your passengers to do the same.
- Don’t wear expensive jewellery, especially in high-risk areas.
- Don’t leave your bag or any valuables in plain sight on seats or visible in the boot space.
- If possible, install smash and grab tinted window coverings which make it harder to see in, as well as slow entry to the vehicle.
Home safety
- Make sure your alarm works and always activated when you leave the house, or partially on when home alone.
- Don’t leave garden implements or anything lying around the garden than can be used as a weapon or to break into your home.
- Get involved with your neighbourhood watch group as these smaller groups are often very alert and very motivated to prevent incidents.
- Install slam lock gates and deadbolts on all opening doors.
- Don’t “hide” spare keys anywhere around the outside of the home.
- Don’t allow strangers into your property. Talk through the intercom or from the other side of the gate if necessary.
- Make sure that any contractors coming to your house display some sort of ID.
We would love to live in a world where these issues do not affect our daily life. But while this isn’t the case, we must all work together to prevent – as far as possible – the scourge of crime in South Africa.
However, when the worst does happen, and we find ourselves in an emergency situation, it is good to know that the team behind MiAssist are one tap of a button away, and equipped to help you in any way you may need.
Why not find out more?
