Kasselman Security Services (KSS) sent information on Friday, 27 November about the escalating crime rate.
They urged the community to be vigilant, take precautions and advised businesses and homeowners to be aware of their surrounding.
The following tips were given, should an armed robbery take place:
• Remain calm and obey the robber’s orders. Do only what they demand.
• Raise your hands and don’t move. If you must move, tell them what you are going to do. Ensure they can always see your hands.
• Don’t have a discussion with them. Don’t try to change their mind. Speak only if spoken to. Answer in a confident voice and use short sentences.
• Keep them informed. Ensure there are no surprises.
• Give them what they demand. Be honest about the amount of money which you can give them.
Information-gathering is important and the community is urged to remember characteristics of the criminals that will help catching them such as the age, sex, race, height, weight, colour of eyes and hair, clothing, size and type of the weapon and other distinctive signs (scars, tattoos, accent) or specific odours (alcohol, tobacco).
It is also important to memorise what the robber(s) touch to help in lifting fingerprints.
Don’t give chase when the suspects take off, rather note the direction of the getaway vehicle and a description of the vehicle, if possible the licence plate number, make and colour.
The next step is to activate the alarm system and call your security company.
