RoodeLife Issue 001 | Page 33

Awareness ◀︎ Vigilant Citizens Prevent Crime P reventing crime and saving the happen to you. Installing a security alarm is not lives of our fellow neighbours is always sufficient, seeing that many of us do not not only the responsibility of the arm the system when we or our employees are South African Police Services, at home. but it is also our responsibility as Just like any other crime, hijacking can be vigilant citizens. Being constantly aware and alert extremely traumatic, but it is possibly also one of your surroundings, whether you are at work, of the crimes which we can prevent the easiest. home or on the road, might mean the difference For the period of 2012/2013, according to the between life and death, either for yourself or Institute of Security Studies, hijacking increased those around you. The four major crimes of by 5.4% in South Africa. murder, rape, house robbery and hijacking are what threatens the safety and freedom of people in all residential areas, with no exception to security estates. The crime statistics for 2012/2013, which were made available by the Institute of Security Studies, indicated that murder increased by 650 cases, which is a 4.2% increase and sexual offences (including rape) marginally decreased by 0.4%. Studies have shown that a large percentage of the sex crimes that take place are perpetrated by someone that the victim knows. These types of offences are referred to as interpersonal violent crimes By being vigilant and alert when in your vehi- Crime Out Loud has identified various hijacking hotspots in the Pretoria area, and they are: uuBeyers Naudé Drive & Paul Kruger Avenue; uuBurnett Street; D uu elfi Avenue & Garsfontein Road; uuStormvoël Road; uuWatermeyer Street; N uu elson Mandela Drive; V uu arious crossings on Simon Vermooten; V uu arious crossings on Lynnwood Road; and V uu arious crossings on Francis Baard Street. cle, you can prevent being a victim of hijacking. Remember that once you notice someone or something suspicious, please do not place yourself in confronting or challenging positions, because you will place your life and those around you in great danger. Rather take stock of any specifics about the suspect and/or suspicious activity and then quickly get yourself and those around you, out of immediate danger and contact your nearest police station for assistance. Crime is a sad reality! The only real way to and the perpetrators can be family members, neighbours or work associates. combat crime in your area is to always be These types of crimes are especially traumatic prepared, be vigilant and be aware of your and if you suspect that someone in your house- surroundings. Make criminal activity difficult hold has possibly been raped, we advise you to and risky for offenders in your community and, treat the situation with extreme confidentiality against crime! easy precautions include: W uu hen approaching or entering your driveway, switch off your radio and be alert. Be on the look-out for suspicious vehicles or persons in your street or driveway. B uu e alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate like they normally do. W uu hen returning home after dark, check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services. You would normally have to contact them 30 minutes before arriving home. Ensure that your gate closes uu completely before unlocking your vehicle. G uuenerally, always drive with your windows closed and all your doors locked. W uu hen approaching a traffic light, be alert of suspicious pedestrians and vehicles that are too close to you. Slow down and try not to come to a complete stop, so that you can drive off again when the light turns green. A uu lways leave a space between you and the vehicle in front of you and do not take your vehicle out of gear when you come to a complete stop at a stop street or traffic light. L uueave all your shopping, laptops, bags, etc. in the boot of your vehicle and only keep the minimum, such as your cell phone and drivers licence, in front with you and out of sight from predators. most importantly, stand together in the fight and sensitivity. Some Overall, house robbery increased by 3.6%. It is important to always remember that even though you might stay in a secure estate, house robbery can occur anywhere and it CAN RL This editorial was brought to you by Brendon Cowley of: C3 Shared Services (Pty) Ltd. Specialists in intelligent video, fire and perimeter security solutions www.c3ss.com 31 roodelife.co.za