Many West Rand residents live on farms, plots and in other remote areas.

As far as safety and security are concerned, they have to be extra vigilant.

The South African Police Service recently posted as list on their Facebook page of basic security precautions for those living in remote areas.

These are some of the things you can do to ensure you and your family’s safety and security.

• Know your neighbours and maintain good relations with them.
• Know which security services and community-based crime-prevention initiatives are available in your area, and know how to reach them in case of an emergency.
• Have the contact details of the security companies, community-based watches, emergency services and the police station readily available.
• Have alternative means of communication in case the telephone lines and cellular phones are not working.
• Become part of the crime-prevention programmes initiated by the South African Police Service, and the community.
• Consider establishing a neighbourhood watch in your area, or become involved in the existing neighbourhood watch.
• Participate in simulation exercises with the South African Police Service to test the effectiveness of the response to incidents.
• Maintain sound safety measures and habits at home, and inform your neighbours, the police and the community-based watches of any suspicious behaviour and activities in your area.
• Ensure that all doors (including security and garage doors), are locked at all times, and that windows are closed when you are inside or not at home.
• Keep a register with the details of all persons on the premises, including workers, and do not allow unnecessary access to the premises.
• Regularly clear the area around your house of bushes and clean the premises and all possible hiding places. Lock away all tools and implements.
• Be vigilant and ensure that all persons on the premises, including workers and visitors, are also vigilant and know what to do in case of suspicious behaviour and/ or an emergency.
• Do not react blindly to any suspicious activities, especially at night.
• Do not keep a large sum of cash and/ or valuables on the premises.
• Ensure that additional safety measures have been implemented if you are selling any products from the premises.