Safety while at home, shopping or in the car

The Edenvale SAPS has warned residents to not make themselves easy targets for criminals.

The Edenvale SAPS released a number of safety tips for residents to help ensure their safety.

Safety tips at home:

•  Never open your door for strangers, rather install and use a peephole.
•  Always make sure your doors and windows are locked and ensure that your garage is not left unlocked.
•  Try to vary your daily routine.
•  Make use of a neighbourhood watch system to keep an eye on your neighbourhood. A concerned neighbour is often the best protection against crime.
•  Avoid leaving notes on your door when leaving your house.
•  Leave lights on when going out at night, or use a timer to turn lights on and off when you are away for an extended period.
•  Notify neighbours and your security provider when going away on a trip.
•  Be wary of unsolicited offers to make repairs to your home. Deal only with reputable businesses.
•  Do not hesitate to report crime or suspicious activities to the SAPS or your security provider.
•  Ask for proper identification from delivery people or strangers. Do not be afraid of asking; if they are legitimate they will not mind.
•  Never let a stranger into your home.
•  Never give out information over the phone indicating you are alone or that you will not be home at a certain time.
•  If you arrive at home and suspect a stranger may be inside, do not go in. Rather leave quietly and call the SAPS or your security provider to investigate.

Safety while out shopping:

•  Always carry your purse close to you.
•  Never leave your purse in a shopping cart and never leave your purse unattended.
•  Do not carry more money than is necessary.
•  Avoid displaying large sums of money.

Safety in your car:

•  Always keep your car doors locked, whether you are in or out of your car and try to keep your petrol tank full and your car’s engine maintained to avoid breakdowns.
•  If your car breaks down, pull over, open the bonnet and wait inside your car for help. Avoid getting out of the car and making yourself a target before the police arrive.
•  At stop signs and traffic lights, keep the car in gear.
•  Travel in well-lit and busy streets and plan your route.
•  Do not leave your purse on the seat beside you, rather put it in the boot.
•  Never leave valuables or packages in your car. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in and steal them.
•  Never pick up hitch-hikers.