1. Securing your belongs

• When shopping do not leave your bag or valuables (eg Cell phones) unattended.

  • Do not leave these possessions in your trolley while shopping

  • When trying on clothes make sure your belongs are secure

  • Do not leave valuables such as cell phone or laptops in plain view in your motor vehicle when the vehicle is unattended

  • Ensure that you have control over your bag and valuables at all times and when paying for goods or processing money at a bank make sure that you do not place your bag on a counter and leave it unattended. Be aware of strangers who may try to distract you.

2. Be alert when drawing money

• When drawing money from ATMs:

  • Scan the area for suspicious activity/people before approaching the ATM

  • Remain aware of your surroundings and do not allow anyone to distract you while doing your transactions.

  • Use ATM’s that you are familiar with and that are situated in well lit areas, where you are visible and safe.

  • Have your card ready in your hand before you approach the ATM to avoid opening your handbag/purse/wallet while waiting in the queue.

  • Be cautious of strangers trying to help you as they could be trying to distract you to get you card or pin details.

  • Don t force your card into the slot as it might have been tampered with.

• When drawing large amounts of money from the bank

  • Make sure you have made security arrangements

  • Be aware of suspicious people/vehicles while en-route

  • Do not advertise that you are going to the bank

3. Protect your information

• Protect your ATM Pin number

• Do not use guessable pin numbers such as your birth date, and change it often.

• Lock all doors and close window when leaving your home unattended (even if you leave for only a short while)

• Do not hide keys under the door mat, in flower pots or any other place where the keys could be found by criminals

• Ensure your windows have burglar guards to prevent access

• Do not leave notes outside your house announcing your absence from the house

• Leave a radio on and a light on at night to give an “at home” appearance. Don’t leave an outside lamp burning through the day as this is a clear sign that no one is home

• Cancel all deliveries (such as newspapers) while you are away If this is not possible asks a trusted neighbor to collect these deliveries.

• Changes the locks on your house if you keys have been stolen or lost

• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your house while you are away. You should supply this neighbor with a number they can contact you on while you are away

• When you are at home never listen to music, watch TV or entertain visitors with the doors to you house open or unlocked.

• Never leave the key in the inside of an outer door which has a glass panel or or window near the door.

• Don’t keep large amounts of cash at your house

• Ensure your house’s street number is clearly marked on you fence, wall or gate so that it can be easily seen by any emergency service or police personnel

• Store emergency contact numbers in your phone and label them clearly to allow fast dialing in an emergency

• Never give the impression you are at home alone if a stranger telephones you or comes to your door

• It is your right to see the identification cards of caller who claim to be from government, municipal officials or even SAPS members. Even if they are in uniform ask to see their identity documents/cards and insist on this. If they fail to comply ask them to leave your premises immediately and report the matter to the SAPS

• Get to know your neighbors

• If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry, don’t go into the house. Go to the nearest phone and call the police

Remember call 10111 in case of an emegency