SAPS Newcastle is sharing tips on how to protect you while driving or when parking a vehicle.

Safety awareness when parking

• Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars
• Do not leave a firearm in the glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle. “This is against the law,” emphasised SAPS Newcastle Corporate Communication officer Lizzy Arumugam
• Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car
• Valuable items, such as laptops and cameras, should be put in the boot of your car
• Be aware of people approaching you and informing you that you have a flat tyre; their intention can be to steal items they see inside the car or hijack your car
• At night, park in well-lit areas
• Do not leave your goods or valuables visible in the car
• Always lock the doors and close the windows when getting out of the car
• Remove detachable radios and the radio’s face when getting out of the car
• Try to fit an alarm and / or anti-theft device in your car
• Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervisor are the best; otherwise try to park in locations that are well populated and not ‘crowded’ by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide
• Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your purse

“Practice these same prevention skills in parking lots and garages at home,” Arumugam reiterates.

Safety awareness while driving

• Always close your windows when driving in the city centre
• Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at the robots
• Keep doors locked and windows closed at all times
• Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit
• Lock your valuables in the car’s boot before departure
• Become familiar with your route before you start the trip
• Get a map of the route and study it
• Store luggage in the car’s boot where it is out of sight

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