- Keep your car in good running order with regular services to avoid breakdowns in risky areas.
- Trust your instinct when you're in unfamiliar areas. Turn back if you feel unsafe and rather continue on familiar routes.
- Always carry your identity document and driver's license with you as well as a pen and notebook to take notes if necessary.
- If your vehicle is nudged or bumped from behind and you feel uncomfortable about stopping, rather indicate that the person should follow you to the nearest police station or a busy public area for help.
- Don't open your vehicle window or door to strangers, including hitchhikers.
- Don't approach your empty vehicle if a suspicious-looking person is hanging around in the vicinity.
- If you encounter obstacles on the road such as rocks and tyres, don't get out of your vehicle to remove them. Turn around and drive away in the direction you came from.
- Don't stop to rest or make a phone call on deserted roads.
- Don't leave your vehicle unattended at a petrol station.
- Carry your cell phone on your person. Criminals won't allow you to remove your valuables from your car and if attacked, you'll need your phone to call for help.
- Check your vehicle's tyre pressures regularly and set to manufacturer's recommended pressures.
- Store any loose items in the car boot for safety reasons.
- Always put your bag under the passenger seat or in the boot - and never reach for it if you've been ordered out of your car. The hijacker might assume you're grabbing a firearm and shoot you.
- Install security gates on all exterior doors at home.
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- Do not leave notes on the door, underneath the carpet or in the post box to indicate that you are away.
- Do not leave hidden keys.
- Leave your house key with a trusted neighbour or the key holder (as registered with your armed response company) so that access can be gained in an emergency.
- Do not leave only the outside lights on as this is usually an indication to would-be intruders that the house is not occupied.
- Leave lights on and the radio playing as this gives the impression that the house is occupied.
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- Always lock perimeter doors and close windows that are far away from where the family activity is centered.
- At night always lock perimeter doors and securely fasten windows. When retiring to bed, lock inter-leading doors of those rooms that are not occupied.
- Do not leave curtains open at night as this allows observation into the house.
- Do not go outside alone to investigate at night. Rather switch off all lights and open curtains to allow you to see what is occurring outside, once your eyes have become accustomed to the dark.
- Do not open any perimeter door without satisfactory identification from the visitor. If in any doubt, do not open the door and consider summoning the police or your alarm company.
- Never admit to a stranger that you are alone.
- If a repair-person is expected, do not allow entry unless identity has been checked through a vision panel or door viewer and with the company concerned.
- Do not allow strangers into your home to make telephone calls. Rather offer to make the telephone calls for them while they wait outside.
If you note suspicious vehicles, individuals or groups in your neighborhood, contact the police or your alarm company.
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