It is important to never let anyone in the front door if their identity or reason for the visit has not been verified.<\/p>\n
Impersonators can pretend to be electricians, telephone repairmen, garden service employees, or even security and police officers.<\/p>
\u201cImpersonators are a problem for many industries, especially in the service sector. There will sadly always be criminals who pretend that they are checking your alarm system, installing your new Wi-Fi network, or fixing a municipal water leak in your garden.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are trying their luck by taking advantage of the public\u2019s good nature,\u201d said Agnieszka Gryn, general manager for Fidelity ADT\u2019s inland region.<\/p>
She said it is imperative for homeowners to take certain precautions, to not let their guard down and be taken in by such scams and \u2018con artists\u2019.<\/p>\n
Any employees who work on your property should also be fully briefed and warned not to give access to any strangers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you are expecting contractors or deliveries please ensure you brief your staff ahead of time,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Domestic employees, said Gryn, play an integral part in any home security system and it is critical that they are empowered and equipped to look after their own safety, as well as the safety of anyone else on the property such as children they may be looking after.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n SAPS offer tips to prevent rape<\/a><\/p>\n Be cautious with your money<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cEveryone wants and deserves to be safe, no matter who they are and where they work.<\/p>\n \u201cIn the same way that you should share safety tips with your friends and loved ones, you should also share them with anyone that works on your property.<\/p>\n \u201cMost critically, they need to know how to activate the alarm so that help can be requested in case of an emergency,\u201d said Gryn.<\/p>\n It is always a good idea to trust your gut and to err on the side of caution.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you feel something is out of place, report it to the SAPS or your security provider immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one should be allowed to enter unless they can prove their identity and their reason for visiting the property,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cFidelity ADT armed response officers carry a branded ID card with their name, PSIRA number and a photograph.<\/p>\n \u201cThey also carry a PSIRA card which has their photograph,\u201d said Gryn.<\/p>\n \u201cResidents can ask to see these cards, as this will prove they are authentic and not criminals posing as security officers.<\/p>\n \u201cOur technicians are also clearly identified and will always make prior appointments before visiting clients.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n