Convenience could give criminals an insight into your daily routines

The advancement of technology has made it easier to shop from the comfort of your living room, while e-hailing services have taken the hassle out of travelling.

All these convenient services are available at a touch of a button, bringing these service providers to your doorstep.

However, police warn that regular use of these services may attract the ogling eyes of would-be criminals.

“Residents that make use of daily delivery services as well as share-ride operators, may just be giving criminals a greater insight into their daily routines than they might think,” said Captain Nomsa Sekele, spokesperson for the Benoni Police Station.

“From these habits, it is easy to establish residents’ comings and goings,” she said.

“From watching residents receive deliveries, it is easy for criminals to discern whether the recipient may be home ill or may have undergone treatment which may affect their mobility.

“These are all little bits of information that could be used by cunning criminals looking for their next target.”

Sekele suggests that residents making use of these convenient services pay careful attention to their surroundings when leaving their homes to meet service providers.

“Ensure that you lock your doors when exiting your home or have someone walk to the gate with you,” she said.

“Pay careful attention to anyone loitering near your home when leaving with an e-hailing service as well as upon your return.”

She further recommends not placing grocery deliveries at the same time daily.

“Vigilance is key in staying safe. Just because you are not driving does not mean that you should not pay attention to your surroundings at all times,” said Sekele.

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