Twelve tips on personal safety

According to Constable Rebecca Phithi, Magaliesburg police spokesperson, the area has been experiencing an increase in criminal activities like house breakings and thefts.

Constable Phithi, who is also the social crime prevention coordinator, and the rural safety coordinator Warrant Officer Makutle have been conducting safety talks, doing visits and distributing pamphlets on personal safety around the area. These talks, however, can be invaluable to suburban households as well.

Use these handy tips to ensure your and your family’s personal safety:

1. Be suspicious of the visits by the people you did not call.

2. Don’t trust strangers just because they look like who they say they are.

3. If they ask, never mention to the stranger that your neighbour is away or lives alone.

4. Be alert towards the activities in your area to protect your neighbour and yourself.

5. If you think there is a stranger or suspicious person on your property, stay inside the house, turn on the lights, do not call out to them, just phone the police immediately.

6. When you call the police, be in a safe place to protect yourself.

7. If you moved into a new house, change the locks as the previous owners may have the spare keys.

8. Install and use peepholes in front of your front door.

9. Keep the curtains closed after dark.

10. Leave the lights on in two more rooms.

11. Carefully check the identification of the police if you suspect that they are pretending to be law enforcers.

12. Always check the authenticity of the repairman and municipal meter readers.

Also read:

• Magalies police create awareness

• Build a better community: report child neglect

• Regular school searches before matric exams