Messages on social media regularly circulate, relaying incidents involving impersonators posing as repairmen, security or even police officers.<\/p>\n
While many of these messages are later exposed as hoaxes, it is worth heeding the advice to err on the side of caution before letting strangers inside.<\/p>
Homeowners can take certain precautions, assures Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
\u201cCertain individuals will always try to take advantage.<\/p>
\u201cHaving a cautious approach is always good and can help you avoid becoming a victim,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cImpersonators are fond of creating fictional characters from the services sector and using it for their purposes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis gives them access to your home by claiming to fix or check your alarm system, Wi-Fi network or water leaks on your property.\u201d<\/p>\n
Employees on the property should be briefed on any expected deliveries or appointments, recommended Hattingh.<\/p>\n
In the case of verifying security officers and technicians, Hattingh suggested the following:<\/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 she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnicians are also identifiable and will make prior appointments before arriving.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n SAPS urge community to follow these safety tips<\/a><\/p>\n Safety tips for parking your vehicle<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n If any individual requesting access cannot provide a legitimate reason for visiting your property and authentic credentials, they should not be allowed to enter.<\/p>\n \u201cEnsure employees are equipped to handle themselves and the safety of anyone else on the property.<\/p>\n A home security system is more than just an alarm system and strategically placed safety apparatus.<\/p>\n \u201cHow individuals respond in the face of imminent danger is essential,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n She added that while everyone needs to know how to arm the alarm system, not everyone needs to know how to disarm it.<\/p>\n \u201cYoung children and new employees don\u2019t necessarily need to know all the passwords.<\/p>\n \u201cIdeally, employees should be given their own passwords which makes keeping track of events much easier (especially if something goes wrong),\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n Whether you are at work or running errands, the safety of your home and loved ones should not be the cause of unnecessary stress.<\/p>\n Hattingh recommended the following checklist:<\/p>\n \u2022 Does everyone who resides and regularly works on your property know how to activate the alarm in the case of an emergency?<\/p>\n \u2022 Does everyone know the numbers of the essential emergency services, the SAPS and your security provider?<\/p>\n \u2022 Have they been briefed on the correct protocol before allowing the relevant individuals on to the property?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang 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<\/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