With robberies reported to be on the rise in Gauteng, Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity ADT, provides safety suggestions, revealing that criminals are becoming more brazen and using different tactics to lure residents out of their homes.
Many business and homes in the province have been robbed recently, eight of them within the Fidelity ADT footprint.
The Reeds, Ellaton, Boksburg, Kempton Park, Protea Glen, Parkdene, Westdene and Primrose are among the areas affected.
“How you react when faced with a nervous, gun-toting criminal can save your life or cost you your life. All family members need to know what to do if uninvited guests come through the door intent on robbing you, or worse,” says Hattingh.
She provides safety suggestions of what to do during a residential robbery.
* Remain calm and obey the robbers’ orders.
* Keep your hands visible and don’t reach for anything unless told to do so.
* Don’t try to negotiate with the robbers. When speaking to someone, speak clearly.
* Give them what they ask for and don’t lie about safes or cash in the home. In all likelihood, the robbers have done their homework.
* Observe the robbers and try to gather information on their appearances, voices, language used and so on. Take note of their clothing, distinguishing marks, height and types of weapons, for example.
* Keep them informed so there are no surprises, like a family member arriving for a visit.
Afterwards
* Press the panic button/phone to alert your armed response service provider and/or phone the police at 10111. Say if you need medical assistance.
* Lock all the doors.
*Check on the victims. Keep everyone calm.
* Relate the incident clearly and in detail to the first responders.
* Try not to disturb areas the robbers were in and point out anything they might have left.
For businesses:
* Controlled entrances are important in preventing overcrowding in your premises; make sure you have measures in place to restrict movement at entrances and exits to your business for staff and customers. Implementing solutions that assist you in doing this could dramatically reduce shrinkage in your business.
* Be alert during opening and closing times. Always work in pairs to prevent being surprised or overpowered by criminals. Train your staff to ask for identification before allowing entry to the premises.
* Make sure all outside entrances and inside security doors have deadbolt locks. If you use padlocks, they should be made of steel and kept locked at all times. Remember to remove serial numbers from your locks to prevent unauthorised keys from being duplicated.
* Windows should have secure locks and burglar-resistant glass. Consider installing metal grates on all your windows, except display windows.
* Light the inside and outside of your business, especially around doors, windows, skylights or other entry points. Consider installing covers over exterior lights and power sources to deter tampering.
* When selecting security guards, it’s crucial to choose a reputable company, rotate them regularly and ensure they undergo regular vetting.
The Star