South Africa will this month commemorate the important part that women played in the history of our nation.<\/p>\n
A local private security company believes Women\u2019s Month in August is also the perfect opportunity to look at basic safety habits, to protect them from crime.<\/p>
\u201cBeing distracted makes you a soft target.<\/p>\n
\u201cCriminals are always on the lookout for soft or vulnerable targets, and will take advantage if you are not paying attention to your surroundings.<\/p>
\u201cBeing aware of potential threats is the first and most effective line of defence for anyone,\u201d said Fidelity ADT\u2019s Agnieszka Gryn, regional executive.<\/p>\n
Gryn recommended cutting out distractions as far as this is possible and reasonable.<\/p>\n
This includes taking or making phone calls while driving, especially if you have children in the vehicle.<\/p>\n
\u201cPut your phone away when out and about.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpeaking on the phone while putting your children or shopping into the car, for example, means you are concentrating on the call and not keeping an eye on your surroundings.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt presents criminals with a great opportunity to hijack you or make off with your belongings,\u201d Gryn said.<\/p>\n
While driving, make sure your doors are locked and any valuable items are placed under the seat or in the boot, out of sight.<\/p>\n
If you are approaching your house, be on the lookout for any suspicious people and rather drive around the block if you don\u2019t feel safe.<\/p>\n
It is also important to stay on the road, rather than in your driveway, when waiting for the gate to open.<\/p>\n
Gryn added that it\u2019s also a good thing to change your driving routes and leaving times every now and again.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are creatures of habit which makes us predictable.<\/p>\n
\u201cCriminals scoping out your house will be able to know exactly when you leave and arrive and which routes you take.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep them guessing by leaving perhaps slightly earlier or later and taking different routes to drop the children at school, for example.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe same applies to things such as your running routes and times, gym visits, and even your locking up and leaving routine,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Heed these ATM safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n SAPS urge community to follow these safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n She said that intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people and women especially\u00a0 should trust their instincts; if a situation doesn\u2019t feel safe, it probably isn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Gryn added that if confronted by a criminal, escape is always the best option.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are able to, run away, yell for help \u2013 do whatever you can to attract attention.<\/p>\n \u201cIf the criminal is after your purse or other items hand them over or throw them in one direction and run in the other,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen possible tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return.<\/p>\n \u201cSave emergency numbers on your phone and try to memorise at least one contact number you can call in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cRemember less is more when it comes to wearing flashy jewellery and carrying cash.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you are taking a handbag, carry it close to your body and not dangling by the straps.\u201d<\/p>\n By exercising these precautions, Gryn believes women can develop very good safety habits that will assist them in avoiding dangerous situations.<\/p>\n \u201cI encourage women to not only use these tips but to share them with family and friends.<\/p>\n \u201cMost importantly trust your instincts.<\/p>\n \u201cIf someone or something makes you feel uneasy, get away or get help,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n Gryn summarised the most important safety tips:<\/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 <\/p>\n\n