Multitasking can put you at risk
Being distracted makes you vulnerable and criminals will take advantage of this.
Multitasking could make people, women in particular, targets of crime according, says the security firm ADT.
It said because women tended to have more to do, they were often distracted from what was happening around them.
“Being distracted makes you vulnerable and criminals will take advantage of this,” said Theunis Kotze, general manager of ADT inland region.
South Africa’s crime rate ranks among the top in the world, with women more likely to be victims of crime, according to the 2015/2016 crime stats.
Kotze said increased vigilance was important in minimising the chances of being targeted.
He offered the following tips to prevent people becoming soft targets:
– Minimise distractions.
Put your phone away when out and about. Speaking on the phone while putting your kids or shopping into the car, for example, means you are focusing on the call and not keeping an eye on your surroundings.
It presents criminals with a great opportunity to hijack you or make off with your belongings.
– Lock all the doors when you are in the car.
Zip up your handbag and never drive with it or any other valuable items on the front seat. Try and make your car a cellphone-free zone so you can concentrate on your surroundings.
Wait in the road for the gate to open before pulling into the driveway.
– Change your driving routes and leaving times every now and again.
Leave your home slightly earlier or later and use different routes to drop the kids or go to work. The same applies to your running routes and times and gym visits.
– Tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return.
Save emergency numbers on your phone and try to memorise at least one contact number you can call in the event of an emergency.
– Remember, less is more when it comes to wearing flashy jewellery and carrying cash. Also, if you are taking a handbag, carry it close to your body and not dangling by the straps.
Also read:
Life-saving safety tips for woman
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