Richards Bay SAPS share crime busting tips

RICHARDS Bay Police spokesperson Capt Debbie Ferreira recently issued a warning for safety at home and at business premises.

Safety at home

Keep your cellphone in the bedroom.

Never leave keys in a gate or lock.

Remember to change the locks on outside doors after moving into a new home, or after the keys have been lost or stolen.

Make provision for good outside lighting. Remember, outside lights on during the day draw the attention of thieves.

Mail left in the gate is another sign nobody is home. Get a friend or neighbour to keep a regular eye on your property and to remove mail and newspapers.

Use lighting to your advantage. Lights that are on outside when it is dark inside will allow you to observe what is going on without being seen yourself.

Curtains should be closed after dark to prevent suspects from observing what is going on inside the house.

Never leave workmen unattended in your home. Conduct thorough background checks before employing anyone – both permanent and casual workers.

Don’t leave your garage, front or back door open or partially open – it serves as an invitation to burglars.

Safety at business premises

Try to avoid the accumulation of large amounts of cash in cash registers by employing drop-safes.

Install surveillance cameras strategically and implement some form of entrance and exit control. Make sure persons can be clearly identified.

Make the premises well-illuminated, both inside and outside.

Take precautionary measures at opening and closing times, and don’t leave only a single person responsible for opening and locking up the business.

Take special precautions with regard to handling and transporting of cash.

Thoroughly screen employees and involve them in the security planning and execution.

Devise a security plan, including ways to raise alarm in the case of emergency and procedures to follow if suspicious individuals approach or enter the premises.

Consult experts and install or erect as many security features as possible to deter would-be criminals.