The newly elected Community Police Forum (CPF) Forderville sub-forum would like to share the following safety tips with the public.

Submitted by Mohamed Ismail
Chairman: Forderville Community Police Forum
In order to protect yourself and your belongings from house break-ins, police encourage you to follow the tips below:
• Be vigilant. If you suspect suspicious activity around your home, your neighbours’ homes, or in your neighbourhood, please report it to the police immediately (036 342 9525).
• Document serial numbers of all electronics and take pictures of all valuables. Keep this in a safe place to provide to the police in the event you are robbed.
• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors. Leave a television or radio on as well.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lights to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the post office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbour to retrieve it regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks and burglar gates are available for better security.

Don’t tempt a thief:
• Lawn mowers, braai stands and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
• Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”
• Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
• When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.