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Tips for a safer and more secure 2025

SA has one of the highest crime rates globally, so residents must take safety precautions.

Taking safety precautions is essential for those living in SA because of the country’s high crime rate. Crime in SA affects millions of people daily.

January is a time for fresh starts and for rethinking how we approach safety and security in our daily lives.

“This is an ideal moment to evaluate your daily routines and consider how to make your life safer and more secure in 2025,” said Charnel Hattingh, group head of communications and marketing at Fidelity ADT.

Follow these steps to minimise risk:

Join a community WhatsApp group: This is an easy way to stay on top of trends in your neighbourhood and street and to get help in an emergency. Security companies’ officers and CPF members are often part of these groups and can quickly react to suspicious activity or emergencies.

Have a close relationship with neighbours: Safe communities begin with communication between residents. Your neighbours can watch your property while you are away and easily spot something out of place if they know your daily routines.

Invest more in an outdoor security system: Good home security starts with a secure perimeter, which needs to be supported by proper security on the actual property (garden, entertainment areas, garden shed). Electric fencing, outdoor beams, CCTV, and sensor lights are proven deterrents.

Vigilance is key: Discuss with the family about leaving and returning home, ensuring doors and security gates are locked, being cautious of strangers at the gate, and knowing what to do in an emergency. Everyone should know how to reach their security company, CPF members or police by phone or via the alarm system and panic buttons.

Security risk assessment: Have a security risk assessment done and get advice from a security expert to help you decide on security to suit your lifestyle and living spaces.

Technology has evolved so much to complement modern homes and lifestyles while keeping criminals at bay and getting you the right help when you need it. Options that might have been expensive a few years ago are now affordable.

Learn basic self-defence: Enrol in a self-defence class to build confidence and learn techniques that can help protect you in dangerous situations.

Practice safe driving: Commit to avoiding distractions while driving, obeying speed limits and never driving under the influence.

Have an emergency plan: Create and practice an emergency plan with your family that outlines evacuation routes and meeting points in the event of a fire, natural disaster, or other emergencies. Make sure to have a well-stocked first aid kit at home, in your car, and at your workplace. Learn basic first aid and CPR.

Stay physically fit: Regular exercise can improve your overall health and make you more capable of handling physical challenges or emergencies.

Limit sharing personal information online: Be mindful of the information you share on social media and other online platforms to protect your privacy and avoid identity theft.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
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