Tips to prevent trio crimes: hijackings, house and business robberies

Police in the Johannesburg West District recently arrested 36 suspects from different parts of the district that include Roodepoort, Honeydew, Cosmo City, Linden, Douglasdale, Florida, Randburg and Diepsloot.

The increase in the so-called trio crimes which fall under the crime of robbery with aggravating circumstances is, however, of serious concern.

Captain Juanita-Anne Yorke shared some tips on how to prevent those crimes which are carjackings, house robberies and business robberies.

• Hijackings

Avoid being alone in a vehicle when travelling at night.

Do not stop around hijacking hotspots or in any secluded area.

Always be alert when driving. If you suspect that you are being followed by a suspicious vehicle, drive to your nearest police station or call the SAPS Emergency number 10111.

Do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when you are driving alone.

Avoid distractions such as being on your phone, drinking and driving.

Increase caution at intersections – always keep a lookout for people loitering around your vehicle or any sudden activity around your vehicle.

• House robberies

Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons or vehicles.

Enhance security through fitting access doors with security gates and install burglar bars on windows. If possible install closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in key positions around the premises, which have the option to record and the footage be saved on a server to be downloaded at any stage.

Request neighbours or your security company to keep an eye when you go away for an extended period of time.

Do not open gates and doors for strangers.

Verify the identity of the domestic worker and/ or garden worker before you employ them, and check the authenticity of a contractor before you allow access to the premises.

• Business robberies

Do not keep large amounts of money on the business premises.

Be on the lookout for suspicious customers.

Have a key word or a manner of signalling each other if there is a problem so that you can activate the panic alert without anyone else knowing.

Where possible, do not keep the shop open till late.

Avoid being alone, especially at night.

Business owners must not open for anyone after the business has closed.

• Access and key control

Implement proper key control measures.

Never hide any keys in traditional places, such as pot plants or under doormats.

Keys in the keyhole on the inside of the front door should be turned to prevent easy removal.

Never allow strangers to handle keys or look at key numbers.

Change the locks when keys are lost.

Insert baring devices in door locks.

Remove keys from doors when leaving.

There should be two systems for alternative back-up: telephone and cellular phone.

Have a telephone installed where it is easily accessible anywhere on the business premises

• Fences/walls, alarm systems and security

A high clear-view fence around the business premises with lockable gates is much safer.

The primary aim of the fence is to make access difficult.

Make sure your gates are locked at all times and that the keys cannot be reached or are lying around.

Security gates with sturdy locks in front of each door as well as burglar proofing covering all windows, are recommended.

An alarm system, preferably connected to an armed response company, can act as an effective deterrent.

Security lights on the outside of the business premises improve the physical protection of any business.

• Safety tips at shopping centres and malls

Do not ask for help from strangers at ATMs.

Do not display money in public.

Do not ask for directions from a stranger; instead ask law-enforcement agents.

Do not buy anything from a salesperson at the door outside the shop.

Keep your personal belongings such as handbags, cell phones and wallets safe and out of sight.

Always observe your surroundings; be at the right place at the right time.