Keeping safe on Sundays
Unfortunately a high crime rate in Johannesburg is a reality. As South Africans, we are outdoor people, taking full advantage of the beautiful sunshine we have in Johannesburg. We also entertain a lot at our homes, on the patio enjoying a braai and swimming.
Too often we hear stories about groups of people being robbed during a Sunday lunch. We let our guard down when we entertain. We are caught up with conversation and enjoying a glass of wine. Robbers know this and often use the element of surprise. So often it is heard that a group enjoying a Sunday braai are held up at gunpoint with cell phones, wallets and jewellery being stolen. Even worse are guests being tied up and the house ransacked. Secondly robbers know that their movements will go unnoticed in a noisy environment.
Opportunistic robberies at the driveway gate are also very common. Hi-jacking is the number one crime committed at the driveway in Johannesburg.
Being vigilant is a must to any occasion. Here are some tips without putting our homes, friends and family at risk when hosting a gathering.
Always attempt to allow guests to park off street, on your property. This instantly reduces opportunistic theft Opportunistic theft often leads to on property theft once the thieves have worked out the soft way in. If guests have to park outside on the street make sure they do not leave any valuables in their vehicles, not even clothing.
If it is a large party with many cars on the street, hire a car guard and give him your house alarm remote control to press if any suspicious behaviour is noted.
Keep greetings at the gate very short. Only open and close the gate for guests to walk through. Rather welcome guests in, close gate and then greet. The same would be when guests are leaving. Say goodbye behind closed driveway gates. Be aware and listen when guests arrive, do not chat outside on the street.
Keep your front door locked even if you are expecting more visitors. This is an easy way for robberies to gain entry without being noticed and slip out again with stolen goods. Never, ever leave your driveway gate open if expecting more visitors too.
These tips become even more pertinent during the festive season as the high crime rate in Johannesburg increases.
