The police are once more urging citizens to be mindful of their personal security, and take all available steps to lessen the likelihood of being victims of robbery.
They have also issued the following safety tips.
1. When driving home, pay attention to your surroundings. Many persons are trailed for many miles without even realising the colour of the car travelling behind them. In addition, if you believe you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station, being sure to stay on busy, well-lit, well-populated roadways. Never drive home, thinking you can get inside safely before your attackers have an opportunity to strike.
2. As far as is possible, invest in safety features for your home. This may simply take the form of sturdy locks and doors, or may be more advanced home security systems. Dogs are an excellent, cost-effective alternative to electronic home-security systems.
3. Be careful who is allowed access to your home. Crafty robbers sometimes pose as household employees, such as gardeners and domestic helpers, then use the opportunity to scope out a victim, waiting for a golden opportunity to strike.
4. Many robbers and thieves are opportunists, and will strike when there is an obvious benefit to be gained. Therefore, avoid leaving valuables where they can be seen from outside, such as near windows and doorways. Also, although you may be tempted to see what's trending on Twitter, avoid using smart phones and other web-enabled devices which are easily disposed of on the black market while walking or taking public transportation, as you may make yourself a target. Because many of these devices are distracting, it is likely you will never see it coming.
5. When taking public transportation, especially taxis, always note the license plate number, the colour and make of the vehicle, and if possible, the driver's name and address or badge number. Always let someone you trust know when you board a taxi, and share this information with them by text messages. Be wary of drivers who divert from the normal route. Lone females taking taxis should always sit behind the driver.
6. Taxi drivers are also being warned to be alert and look out for criminals who pose as genuine passengers; avoid carrying groups of men and be wary of passengers who ask you to divert from planned routes.
7. Citizens should also be on the lookout for strange vehicles circling or parked in the same place for an unusual length of time, parked with the engine running - regardless if a person is inside or not - or a vehicle without lights on, arriving or leaving at night. If a person is seen behaving strangely or exhibits unusual movements, looks out of place, is wandering aimlessly, is concealing an object, or carrying a weapon or suspicious bag, be on the alert and call the Police.
8. Patrons visiting bars are also to be on the alert while socialising and choose locations that you have a chance to escape from in the event that something goes awry.
Remember, if it is suspicious to you, it is suspicious to the Police. It is better to be safe than sorry.
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