• Safety tips
• Home and hearth security

It is critically important to realise that there will be little or no protection from the authorities during criminal incidents, whether it is a burglary, robbery or large-scale unrest. Although the SAPS remains the first line of defence against crime in terms of legislation, it is unrealistic to rely on them. Therefore, communities must take responsibility for their own safety and preparedness.

The first place where you, as a community member, can start to create a safer environment is in your own home. Let’s look at some tips to better secure your home and your loved ones.

1. 1. Don’t think you won’t be attacked or overpowered. It can happen to anyone. Accept this as a fact.
2. 2. Make peace with your neighbours. Poor neighbourliness makes you even more vulnerable. Your neighbour is the first person to reach you if you are in trouble and also the first to notice if something in your area or near your home looks suspicious or wrong.
3. 3. Make sure you know your neighbours’ telephone and cellphone numbers.
4. 4. Join a safety structure. If there isn’t one in your area, take the lead and start one.
5. 5. Become security conscious. Make sure that entrance gates, security doors and burglar bars are locked so that criminals cannot enter.
6. 6. Ensure that alarms, infrared beams and electric fences are always activated and in working order.
7. 7. Keep your doors locked at all times, even when you are outside. This reduces the chance that someone will be waiting for you behind a door in your house. Too many people are caught off guard and overpowered when they go out to feed the dogs, for example.
8. 8. Change your routine from time to time. People in neighbourhoods, on farms and smallholdings often have a set routine: They get up at the same time, feed the animals at the same time and unlock their gates, doors and stores at the same time. This is information that criminals can use to plan an attack.
9. 9. Make sure the area around the entrances to your home is clear so you can see far ahead. Attackers can easily place rocks on the road to force you to stop.
10. Trim the undergrowth of trees; it can be a hiding place for criminals.
11. Drive past your property if you suspect something is wrong and contact your security company or fellow neighbourhood watch members to secure it first.
12. 10. Finally, under no circumstances should you leave the safety of your home after dark to investigate a problem outside, such as strange noises in your yard, taps suddenly starting to run, or even people crying. Villains will do anything to lure people out of their homes to launch an attack. Contact your fellow neighbourhood watch members or security company to come and assist you.

• Spiking

Measures to combat spiking

To combat the occurrence of spiking on South African roads, various measures are currently being implemented. Law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols and surveillance in high-risk areas to deter criminal activity and apprehend offenders. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate motorists about signs of spiking, and how to respond in an emergency. In addition, road maintenance efforts are being enhanced to ensure the safety and integrity of road infrastructure. Here are some simple tips that road users can follow to avoid spiking:

1. Try not to drive over anything lying in the road.
2. Reduce speed to increase the chance of seeing objects on the road in time.
3. If the object on the road is so large that it could damage your vehicle, drastically reduce speed and drive over it slowly.
4. If conditions permit, drive “straddling” the white centre line, this can increase the possibility of missing a spike.
5. Maintain a following distance of at least 5–6 seconds behind the car in front of you, so you can see if there is a change in his driving pattern.

What to do if you hit a spike

Remember that the spike is just a technique used by criminal elements to force you to a standstill and violently take your valuables and money from you. When you venture out on a road, there are several things you can do to ensure your safety and reduce the risk of becoming a target:

1. Plan your route carefully: Before embarking on your trip, assess the areas you will be travelling through and choose the safest and busiest routes. Avoid high-crime areas or areas known for gun violence.

2. Stay alert and vigilant: Stay aware of your surroundings while driving and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity or individuals. Trust your instincts and if something doesn’t feel right, take precautions or change your route if possible.

3. Keep your doors locked: Always keep your vehicle’s doors locked, especially when driving through unfamiliar or potentially dangerous areas. This will prevent unauthorised or criminal individuals from gaining access to your vehicle.

4. Avoid stopping in isolated areas: If possible, avoid stopping in isolated or poorly lit areas, such as deserted roads or empty parking lots. Try to plan your stops at well-populated areas, such as filling stations or rest areas.

5. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles: When driving, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles to enable quick manoeuvring in case of emergency. Avoid driving too close behind other vehicles, as this can make you an easy target for ambushes.

6. Develop a communication plan: Make sure you have a cellphone with a fully charged battery with you at all times, and inform someone of your travel plans, including your route and estimated time of arrival. In an emergency, you can quickly call for help.

7. Be prepared to respond: In the event that your vehicle is forced to a stop by spiking and you are approached by armed assailants, remain calm and, if possible, try to get away from the threat as quickly and safely as possible. Do not confront the attackers.

By following these proactive measures and remaining vigilant while travelling in a vehicle, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of spiking and subsequent armed ambush, and increase your chances of staying safe on the road.

• Hijacking

Hijacking is not a new or unique problem for South Africa.

Hijacking is also not a problem that is only related to a geographical area but is rather a problem that is related to the availability of a certain vehicle.

So what can you do to avoid a hijacking situation?

First, start by taking precautions, such as:

• Be familiar with your surroundings.
• Know who belongs in the vicinity of your home or workplace and who doesn’t.
• Keep your eyes open for anything unusual.
• Close all doors and windows and lock your vehicle’s doors before you leave.
• Try changing your route to work, the gym, etc. – all the places you drive to regularly.

Hijackers are also professionals; they plan their attacks carefully, and by varying your routine you can disrupt their plans.

Make sure all your car mirrors are adjusted to give you an optimal, all-encompassing view of your surroundings.

Try to stop at stop signs or traffic lights about 5 m behind the car in front of you – this makes it easier to get away if problems arise.

Secondly, be careful not to be deceived. Hijackers often use the following methods to mislead their victims:

• False requests for help.
• “Accidents”, such as getting your car rear-ended.
• Someone is trying to get your help for a stalled car.
• Your electric gate is stopped by an obstruction such as a piece of iron or stones.

Thirdly, know your surroundings

If you are approached by a stranger while you are in your car, drive away if possible and if necessary, use your horn to get attention.

Always be on the lookout for suspicious characters or vehicles and do not hesitate to report them to the police, your neighbourhood watch or security company.

Always be aware of possible dangers and be on the lookout for possible escape routes and safe refuge along the way.

If your suspicion is aroused by any person or vehicle in a high-risk area, treat it as hostile and take appropriate action (i.e. ignore a red robot if it is safe to drive through if you must) and ask for assistance where necessary.

Always keep your identity document, driver’s licence and cell phone on your person.

If possible, avoid driving in the dark.

Never open your vehicle window or door to any stranger. When you are walking to your vehicle and a suspected person is near your car, do not approach the vehicle. Continue walking to the nearest public area and call for help.

Although there is no guarantee that a hijacking will not occur, the following techniques can be practised to reduce the risk when getting into your vehicle and while driving:

• Keep your key ready, but not visible.
• Inspect the exterior and interior of the vehicle before unlocking, if possible.
• Know your destination and directions, and be vigilant if you get lost.
• Never play with your cell phone in the vehicle.
• Always drive with the windows and doors closed and/or locked.
• Pay attention to, and keep in mind, the location of police stations in the area while you are driving.
• Avoid roads through unfamiliar or high-crime areas.
• Avoid driving late at night or in the early morning hours when the roads are quiet.
• Whenever possible, drive in the middle lane, away from pedestrians.
• If possible, do not drive alone.
• NEVER pick up hitchhikers.