8 Tips to Survive the Heat and Stay Safe
During the hot final weeks of summer in Durban we love to relax as we hit the beach, the parks, the markets and open-air concerts. But criminals never take a break so take a few seconds to absorb the following tips to stay safe and protect your valuables.
- When driving in your car wind the windows up and turn the airconditioner on if you can and be alert at traffic lights.
- Lock your valuables in the boot. Don’t make it easy for criminals lurking at traffic lights to grab your possessions.
- Check that the car’s back windows are closed after dropping off and picking up children at school.
- Enjoy the breeze but before going out or heading to bed make sure all windows are closed and doors locked. Leaving a door unlocked, even if you have a security gate, makes it easier and quicker for criminals to break in.
- Housebreakers often stake out potential targets so if you are out working in the garden or the garage be alert to any suspicious sounds and keep a mobile panic button or cellphone with the Blue Security mobile panic on you. This will enable you to inform your security company immediately if an intruder encroaches on your privacy.
- Secure all windows on the first floor or ground floor with good quality burglar bars and sensors linked to the alarm even if there is an enclosed patio. This creates another barrier that slows down a housebreaker and gives you time to get to safety and call for help.
- Don’t assume that it’s safer upstairs. Secure second floor windows and doors with burglar bars and sensors linked to the alarm as there have been incidents where cat burglars have climbed gutters and nearby trees to get into a house or flat.
- Opportunistic criminals lurk on the beach, in parks and even at festivals, so be alert. Invest in a waterproof pouch to keep your car keys and valuables with you while you surf or swim at the beach. If you need to take a handbag keep it close to you, and if possible, leave your bank cards at home and just take along enough cash to spend for the day.