Local organisation embraces positive paranoia

“Positive paranoia” was the order of the day when Mike Bolhuis of Specialised Security Services, addressed the East Rand Business Women organisation in Boksburg on June 14.

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The meeting enjoyed the support of many male guests and exhibitors and was held at Summer Place in Bartlett.

Bolhuis cautioned that assassinations (drive-by shootings mostly by someone on a motorbike), cybercrime and sextortion are some of the very real threats in South Africa today.

The power of positive paranoia is that you are always vigilant and alert to your surroundings, thereby minimising the risk of falling victim to crime.

“It is particularly important in an environment like a shopping centre and when walking back to your car,” he said.

“Park as close as possible to the entrance to the shopping centre or shop you are going to. When you return to your car, be aware of who may be watching you and who reacts to you opening you car.

“Hijackers or robbers operate in groups of three to four. If you aren’t alert, you could have a knife in your side, grabbed from behind and forced into the passenger seat of your car before you know what’s happening.

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“Remember, criminals know all the anti-hijacking devices in cars, so if they try to get away in your car and it isn’t performing as it should, they are likely to take the driver with them, which is then also kidnapping. If a woman finds herself in this situation, it becomes a matter of survival.”

The elderly, women and children are the biggest targets for criminals and Bolhuis said this is not only because they are the most vulnerable, but because threatening to or actually harming a loved one like this gives criminals serious leverage during the commission of a crime.

“A life means nothing to criminals. Remember this,” Bolhuis said.

Other tips provided at the meeting:

Domestic help: They all have cellphones and can, therefore, be photographing your valuables and areas of your home with the intention of selling this information to criminals. Know who you are hiring to work in your home or look after your children.

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Valuables: Firearms, cash and a safe are big draw cards for criminals. If you have valuable jewellery, get rid of it and use the money to live a more fulfilled life.

Social media: Don’t share personal information on social media about your holiday, new car, your children or possessions. Criminals are also proficient on social media. Cut down on what you share in the public domain as privacy is an illusion.

Sextortion: While an international problem, cases have spread like wild fire in South Africa over the past 15 years.

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Never open a pornographic website as these are all linked to SAPS impersonators, sextortionists and corrupt cops looking to make money through blackmail.

They will target you and can even film you. If you pay up once, you’re acknowledging guilt and the extortion will continue – often with devastating personal and financial consequences for families.

Being “stout en stupid” can result in tremendous financial and emotional trauma.

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Cellphones: Ensure you phone doesn’t contain personal information about your salary, passwords, and so on.

Only store on your phone what you are comfortable for the greater public to see. Always make sure you know what your children are viewing and have access to.

“The cellphone has, unfortunately, become our biggest love affair. Many people know their phone better than their bible.

The human race has become devious. My advice is to impart your knowledge and experience to your children.

Children today are reckless and lawless; parents need to be their moral and security compass.

“It is hard work being a Christian but it is important to always ask yourself what effect your actions will have on those around you,” Bolhuis concluded.