Keep safe and healthy while visiting public spaces
As lockdown level 3 opens up more public spaces, people are warned to be vigilant as they still carry a range of safety challenges that people need to be aware of.
ANECDOTAL reports from across the country seem to suggest that levels of crime and criminality are returning to what was experienced before the arrival of the pandemic.
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Now that residents are allowed to move about more freely under alert level three, it is important to do a refresher course on how to remain safe while visiting public spaces, says Charnel Hattingh,of Fidelity ADT.
“The added aspect of this refresher is of course the health measures that one should follow. Lockdown regulations are very explicit about the requirement to wear a mask and to follow other social distancing requirements whenever you visit shopping centres, malls or other busy public spaces,” said Hattingh.
When it comes to personal safety and security, she says the first step is to remain vigilant.
“The SAPS is doing its best to arrest criminals and prevent crimes from happening, even now, during lockdown. They need our help and we can play our part by being aware of our surroundings and being alert to any opportunistic criminals,” explained Hattingh.
She said public spaces still carry a range of safety challenges that people need to be aware of and need to be prepared for.
“It is in these public spaces where opportunistic criminals might be looking out for soft, easy targets. This include parking garages, parks, shopping centres, and other places where large groups of people provide easy cover for would-be criminals.”
When it comes to remaining safe from crime, her advice includes leaving expensive items such as jewellery at home, if you have a daily walking schedule to and from the mall or office, change it often so that your movement does not become predictable.
Leave the headphones at home.
Anything that causes distraction is to be avoided.
“If someone stops you to ask for assistance, keep a safe distance away from them and keep an eye for other movement around you. Avoid drawing money from an ATM late at night, and if it is urgent rather consider going to an ATM in a well-lit space where a security officer is on duty,” she said.
“Crime has unfortunately made a return to our daily lives, something that we have to be prepared for and a subject we must address with our loved ones and our children. The best gift we can give is to make sure that the people we care about, know how to possibly avoid crime in public spaces and how to remain healthy,” she said.
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