West Rand commuters: Stay alert with these 5 safety tips
Don’t let opportunistic crime ruin your fresh start – here’s what West Rand commuters need to know.
January is all about fresh starts – new diaries, new goals and the return to early alarms and busy commutes in the West Rand. But while life gets back to normal, opportunistic criminals don’t take a break.
Fidelity Services Group reminds everyone to add one more item to their back-to-work checklist: Safety.
“The festive season may be over, but criminals are still on the lookout for easy opportunities. As routines resume, we can be distracted or out of practice, which makes us targets,” said Charnel Hattingh, group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity.
5 crime trends to watch for while commuting:
• Taxi robbers posing as passengers – Always be cautious of strangers getting into taxis.
• Smash-and-grabs at intersections – Keep valuables out of sight, avoid using your phone with windows down, and know the hotspots on your route.
• Street safety – Walk in groups, stay alert, carry pepper spray or a taser, and scream if threatened.
• Arriving home safely – If you see a suspicious car or people loitering near your driveway, don’t pull in. Drive to a safe location and call security.
• School commutes for learners – Avoid talking to strangers, no matter the story, and keep earphones and phones out of sight.
Businesses: Start the year with security in mind:
Fidelity recommends businesses perform a quick security check:
• Test alarms and review access permissions
• Remind staff of emergency protocols so everyone knows what to do in a crisis
• Ensure first aid and emergency care readiness – accidents happen quickly
“A security system linked to an armed response service can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency,” Hattingh added.
Recommended security measures for workplaces:
• Business surveillance systems
• Visible branded security officers
• 24/7 monitoring
• Surveillance cameras
• Fire alarm systems
• Access control systems
“A safe start sets the tone for the year ahead. With awareness and preparation, everyone can focus on what really matters – getting back into the swing of things,” concluded Hattingh.
