BRIGHTON Beach SAPS urges the public to be more aware and to make safety a priority.
Captain Louise Le Roux launched a safety campaign for women during women's month, but advised that the tips offered were to be considered all year round.
“Your elbow is the strongest point in your body; use it to fight off an attack. Carry a whistle with you and ensure that you have easy access to it. Remember short blows attract attention,” she said.
The voice, she said, was an excellent alarm system and advised victims to scream and wave their hands in the air to attract attention.
“When you are out jogging, focus on your surroundings, do not listen to music over earphones. Do not walk while texting or talking on your mobile phone. Have a jogging buddy if possible and avoid jogging after dark, or before sunrise.
“If walking home, do so in a group, not alone. If you have to walk home alone do so on a public road. Do not take shortcuts through parks, sports fields or side roads. Always take the elevator instead of stairs, especially at night and do not give a lift to a hitchhiker even if it is a lady,” said Le Roux.
“Ensure that you clutch your handbag under your arm with your hand, holding the handles firmly. Avoid shopping with clutch or long sling handbags. Ensure that the zip part of your handbag faces oncoming 'traffic' and don’t leave your handbag unattended inside the food trolley while shopping.
“When withdrawing cash from an ATM, use your body as a cover to prevent any person from seeing you entering your pin code. When money is received from the cash dispenser, immediately place it inside your wallet or handbag before leaving the banking hall. Also, be vigilant towards suspicious persons who are standing around and do not accept 'help' from strangers. If you suspect that you are being followed, return to the inside of the mall or report that person to the mall security,” she said.
“When travelling by vehicle conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection while in your yard, to prevent you finding yourself stranded, which could result in an attack on you and your passengers. When travelling by vehicle and you suspect that you are being followed, travel to a public place or your nearest police station. Always travel with windows wound up and all doors locked. Should you become a victim of a hi-jacking or abduction and find yourself locked up in the trunk of a vehicle, kick out the back tail light and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver will not see your actions, but everybody else will.
“If you should hear a baby crying outside your room window or front door, investigate noises through the window and rather call the police. Should you hear a baby cry in a dark corner of a parking area, rather call the mall security, do not investigate by yourself. If you hear a cry in a nearby bush, rather call the police.
Criminals work in teams and you could find that a woman claiming to be a 'victim' of a crime or who needs 'help' is used to draw you in,” she said.
Lastly, when out, do not leave your drink or beverage unattended in a public place and do not accept a drink or beverage that is already poured, or the cap has been removed, from a stranger.
