We live in a country where the crime-rate is high and horror stories are on many newspaper front pages. Guard dogs that are poisoned or people lured away from home through some elaborate scheme are some of those stories. Sometimes there is just nothing you can do to prevent being the target of a crime, but there are also many things you can do.
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Very often crimes are opportunistic and there is much you can do to make sure you are not the target of this type of crime.
Be ATM-wise. Don't draw large sums of cash in view of strangers. Don't get involved in conversations with anyone at ATM's – a request for assistance is often a prelude to being robbed. Avoid deserted ATM's at night and try not to go alone to an ATM machine.Never count money in the street. It might be worth your while to drive around until you find one where there is a security guard on duty. ATM's inside bank buildings are safer than ones on the streets.
Hide your briefcase. Driving around with a wallet or a briefcase on the passenger seat is inviting a smash-and-grab incident. Put it out of sight, either in the boot or under the seat.
Lock your car. Whether you're in it or not, it is a good idea always to keep the doors locked and windows closed. It has been known to happen that strangers get into cars at traffic lights or nab things out of unlocked cars- even if you have only stopped for 2 minutes to post a letter.
Invest in armed response. A sign in front of your house naming your alarm company and armed response company will put off many a prospective burglar. There are those who are expert enough to circumvent any security system, but this does not include the chancers wandering around the neighbourhood.
Know where your kids are. You must be able to reach them or know where they are at all times. Teach them not to go anywhere else without telling you first. Also drill them in not accepting lifts or sweets from strangers and to be home before dark.
Don't employ anyone off the street. OK, your gardener's been on leave for three weeks and the place is a jungle, so no wonder you're tempted by the jobseeker at the gate. Just don't do it. Only take people who have come through personal recommendation or who have contactable references.
Beware of parking garages. Yes, they are safer than open air parking lots or street parking, but there are also opportunities for hijackers, rapists or bagsnatchers to lurk behind pillars or down stairwells. Especially late at night, parking garages can be frightening places.
Be aware of your surroundings. Get into the habit of checking who is in your vicinity when you are walking in the street. Or when you get home at night. If there are unknown people lurking in your street, drive past, but don't open your gates while they are still there.
Things that go bump in the night. If you hear a noise in the house at night, for heaven's sake don't investigate on your own. Get out if you can and summon help. A cellphone next to your bed is always a good idea, especially if you predial the emergency number.
All that glitters. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery when in public places like shopping centres. Like very expensive watches or cellphones, it will make you a target of muggers.
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