Safety tips for the festive season

Statistics have shown that during ho idays, such as the coming festive season, there is a high or significant increase in property crimes. Crimina s take advantage of breaking in and use the opportunity to rob and stea from the unsuspecting pub ic. As peop e sometimes eave their homes or property unattended, thieves and housebreakers take advantage of the situation. The Namibian Po ice Force hereby again cautions our communities to ensure their safety and that of their properties are not in peri . Here are few tips to be mindfu of in our day-to-day ife and as we embark toward preparations for festive season ho idays:

To avoid housebreakings:

• Know your neighbours and bui d a trusted re ationship with them so that you wou d be in the position to support each other.

• Insta security gates or barriers at your outside doors and keep them ocked at a times.

• Make provision for adequate outside ighting, but a ways remember to switch them off in the mornings, because outdoor ights that are on during the day draw the attention of the thieves.

• Never eave your garage door open when you are away since crimina s wi be ab e to notice that there is no car in the garage.

• Never eave your house keys in the post box, under the front door carpet or in a pot p ant.

• Thick bushes near a window can offer a hiding p ace to a burg ar, so c ear the bushes c oser to your house.

• Keep your dogs visib e, because they are a deterrent.

• A ways emphasise the need for security with your domestic worker and ensure that he/she is we versed in your security measures. Important y, if your domestic worker eaves your emp oy, make sure that you change ocks and a arm codes. • Never emp oy domestic workers or gardeners off the street without checking references or obtaining identity numbers. • S iding g ass doors can offer easy access if they are not adequate y secured.

• Never eave sma er va uab e items such as jewe ery, watches, portab e radios, c othing, cameras or purses on an inside edge or within an arm’s ength of an open window. Not even if you have burg ar-bars.

If you intend to go away this festive, take note of these simple steps:

• Don’t pub icise your ho iday p ans.

• Inform your nearest po ice station;

• Inform your neighbours.

• Make sure someone empties your dustbins;

• Lock your garage door with a strong ock.

• Inform a friend or re ative to feed your dogs, wet your p ants, cut your awn and perhaps park a car in your driveway.

The Namibian Po ice Force continues to ensure that aw and order, as we as the protection of ife and properties are maintained. Tips mentioned above are for our readers. There are many different safety measures, and everyone ought to practice what works for them.

CAUTION: Stay alert; make the right decisions and be a lawabiding citizen.

Brought to you by Namibian Police Force Public Relations Division Follow us on: https://www.nampol.gov.na