Don’t ever worry about whether you are overreacting or being over-cautious. If you think something is out of place, make a call to the authorities. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Use your sixth sense. “Sixth sense” or “gut instinct” – whatever you call it, your intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us, especially women, have this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not “feel” safe – you’re probably right.
Safety when using public transport
- Don’t haul out wads of cash while paying for your fare.
- Don’t wear very expensive brand-name clothing, particularly if you have a long or secluded walk from your taxi-stop to your destination.
- Wear practical shoes if you can, as apart from being comfortable, they make you more capable of dealing with a potential threat when walking to and from the taxi/bus/train stop. Carry the
pretty shoes in your bag. - Don’t commute while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Safety when using an ATM
- When you’re by yourself, avoid using an ATM in out-of-the-way or deserted areas. Use ATMs located inside banks or supermarkets where other people are around. Use ATMs in well-lit, public
- Be aware of your surroundings when withdrawing funds. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, come back later or use another ATM.
- If it looks like someone has tampered with the ATM equipment, don’t use it. It could mean that a criminal has attached a “skimmer” to the ATM.
- When typing in your pin, cover the keypad so others can’t see what you are typing.
- After completing your transaction, remember to remove your card, cash and any printed documents such as receipts or statements.
- Put your money and ATM card away before you leave the ATM. Always avoid showing your cash.
- Take your receipts with you so that potential criminals will not know how much you withdrew or how much money is in your account.
Safety when driving
- When stopping in traffic, leave enough space to pull out from behind the car in front of you.
- Lock all doors and roll up the windows while you drive.
- Keep your valuables – laptop, handbag, gym bag, mobile phone – out of sight.
- Never give lifts to strangers.
- If you suspect that you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station or busy place to get help.
- Avoid distractions while driving, tempting as it may be to check phone messages or update Facebook and Twitter while in traffic, your phone should be off every time you turn on the ignition.
- Always park in a central, well-lit place, preferably where there are attendants on duty or people passing by.
- Hold your keys in your hand as you approach your parked car. Don’t wait until you reach the car to search for them in your purse. Experts say you’re most vulnerable when you are getting
into or out of your vehicle. - When approaching your vehicle, regardless of where you have parked it, always walk around the vehicle to check for any irregularities.
- Wait until you’re close to the car before unlocking it, and if the car design allows it, unlock the driver’s door only.
- Never leave your car door open with the engine running when you are opening your gate or garage door. When using electric gates and doors always keep your car doors locked until you are
safely inside. - If you stay in a secure complex with security guards, do not be fooled into thinking you are safe. You can easily be followed into your complex so always remain vigilant. Research shows
that most people relax the closer they get to home, and this is often when they are most vulnerable. - Don’t leave the remote control that opens your home’s electric gate in your car.
- Don’t be a victim of car-jamming! When you press your remote-control button, make sure that you hear the beep of your alarm activating and see or hear the locks clicking into place.
- Always check your door handle before leaving the car.
24/7 Security Services – info@24-7security.co.za / 011 444 2237