To create more awareness around personal safety when inside or outside a vehicle, law officials are urging the public to adopt and implement safety tips to prevent them from becoming victims of crime.
For safety reasons, avoid parking at remote places, especially at night.
These tips are:
- ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey;
- ensure that your vehicle’s fuel tank always has sufficient fuel;
- always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed;
- do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute and do not leave valuables like cell phones, laptops, cameras, and more in plain sight inside the vehicle – rather lock it in the boot;
- avoid stopping at remote places;
- park your vehicle in well-lit areas:
- if a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window fully – 5 cm is enough to have a discussion;
- limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you;
- vary the route you travel to work and back, if possible;
- if approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention;
- if strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past;
- be mindful of car jackers who may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car;
- if your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help;
- do not reach for your purse or valuables;
- do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon;
- give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away;
- do not give strangers a lift;
- a gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device; and
- do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.
