Police advice on vehicle safety

Safety Awareness in your vehicle

· Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey

· Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed

· Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute

· If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide -only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion

· If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away

· Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you

· Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible

· If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention

· If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station
· Carjackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car

· If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individuals involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help

· Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car

· Your life is more valuable than your possessions

· Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon

· Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away

· A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime

· Do not give strangers a lift

· A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device

· If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage

· Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed

Safety Awareness when parking or driving your vehicle

· Avoid parking your motor vehicle where there are no security officers guarding other cars

· Do not leave your firearm in the motor vehicles glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!)

· Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked when you park your car

· Valuable items like a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car

· Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tire, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside the car or rob your car

· Always close your windows when driving in the city centre

· Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at traffic lights

· Keep the 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 cars boot before departure

· At night, park in well-lit areas

· If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice

· Practice the same prevention skills you apply in parking lots or garages at home

· Become familiar with your route before you start the trip

· Do not leave your goods or valuable items visible in the car

· Do not leave your keys in the ignition

· Remove detachable radios and the radios face when getting out of the car

· Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car

· Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach your car, especially if they are difficult to find in your handbag

· Parking lots with a parking attendant or supervision/ someone patrolling are best, otherwise try to park in locations that are well lit and/or well populated and not crowded by bushes or buildings where offenders might hide

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