How To Increase Your Personal Safety

Four ways to increase your personal safety are:

1. Reduce or eliminate opportunities that may make you a target.
2. Increase awareness in places you're most comfortable.
3. Trust your instincts regardless of feeling embarrassed.
4. Prepare your schedule daily with safety in mind.

PURSE/WALLET SAFETY 

•   When dining out, the only place for your purse should be your lap.  The back of a chair is an easy target for a thief.  Never carry a wallet in a rear pocket; use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket.  
•  Be particularly aware of your purse/wallet in crowded situations. If you are jostled in a crowd, be aware that a pickpocket might be responsible.
• Beware of arguments or commotions designed to distract you while your pocket or purse is being picked 
• Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the day.  Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets. It only takes a few seconds longer to do 
• Carry your keys on your person, separate from your identification..

WHILE DRIVING

• Upon approaching your car, look to make sure no one is hiding in or around the vehicle, especially in the back seat. Check your  tyres for flats.
• Keep windows rolled up, except for a small opening for ventilation and keep the doors locked at all times.
• Keep valuables secured in the trunk , not lying on the seat next to you. 
•  Put your purse on the floor or in the trunk of your car. 
• Plan your route before you leave.
• When stopped in traffic, always leave enough space between your car and the one in front of you. This will allow you to pass easily, if neces­sary. 
• Should you suspect that you are being followed, make several turns down active streets. If the vehicle continues to follow, head for the nearest police station, fire. Avoid driving to your home.  
•  If someone attempts to force you off the road, remain calm and blow your horn continuously to attract attention. If forced off the road, stop, put your car in reverse and back away.

WHEN PARKING YOUR VEHICLE

• Park in a well-lit area to discourage a personal attack and reduce the risk of your car being stolen.  Look around before exiting your car.  Close all windows and lock the doors. Take any valuables with you.

AT HOME

• ·   Have your keys ready before you get to the door.  Make sure your entrance area is well 
• Make all visitors and delivery persons use the door bell. 
• When recording an outgoing message on your answering machine, avoid leaving your name, phone number or a message that you're not at home. A good message  is, "We are unable to answer the phone, please leave a message   
• If a stranger asks to use the phone, keep your door locked and tell them you will place the call for them. Keep him/her out of your home. 
• Should you arrive home and find signs of a burglary, STAY OUT.  Call your security company or the SAPS. It is a good idea to have your security company’s number on speed dial.

 ELEVATOR

• When waiting for an elevator, leave the lobby or hallway if someone makes you feel uncomfortable 
• Check the elevator's mirror before entering.  Stand between the control panel and door when inside the elevator.  Leave the elevator if someone enters that makes you feel uneasy. 
•   If accosted, press as many buttons as possible to try and get the elevator to stop at the next floor.

ATM

• Use well-lit, well-populated ATM's. 
• Block a bystander's view when doing your trans­action. Use the mirrors, positioned at the ATM, to see behind you.
•   Put your money away and take your card and receipt before leaving an ATM 
• Do not let anyone offer to assist you, and do not allow them to get close to your card. Criminals swop cards out  and then withdraw money from your account.