Tips for domestic workers

Midrand police communications officer Constable Matome Tlamela said, “Our housekeepers and gardeners are often left alone in our houses with huge the responsibility of caring for our home and expensive contents. As such, it is important to educate them.”

She pointed out a number of tips for domestic workers and gardeners to take note of:

•  The helpers need to be aware of their surroundings at all the times

•  Do not open the gate or door unless it is safe to do so. When someone comes to the door asking to be let in, nobody should be allowed onto the property unless the employer has told the worker he/she is expecting someone, even if the worker knows them or they look honest enough. They must rather call the employer to check first. The employer must also remember to let the worker know someone is coming

•  To prevent an ambush when the gate opens, on arrival at work, the worker must check that there are no strange people lurking in bushes or hanging around near the house

•  When arriving home after fetching the children from school, helpers and children are very vulnerable. Give her/him a remote panic button that can be hund around the worker’s neck to use in case of an emergency

•  Domestic workers must not talk about their employer’s belongings or property with their friends as this may alert criminals as to what is in the house

•  Keep the doors locked and unbarred windows closed. This is especially important when the helper is cleaning or busy with children in the house, as she is not able to hear someone coming in.

Every month, Midrand domestic workers are welcome to attend the Sun Valley Making A Difference campaign’s Domestic Crime Watch Programme. The next one will take place on 22 May at La Fiorentina on the corner of Champion and Bridle Pass roads in Sun Valley.

Details: Midrand police, 011 347 1626 or Penny Steyn of Making a Difference campaign, psteyntraining@absamail.co.za