Vehicle safety tips to follow

INCIDENTS of theft from motor vehicles, as well as of motor vehicles, remain a challenge, with SAPS encouraging motorists to follow precautionary steps, particularly when visiting public areas, shopping centres or unfamiliar places.

Keep yourself and your car safe

• Avoid stopping at remote places and park your vehicle in areas that are well lit.

• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, open the window only 5cm to have a discussion. If something seems suspicious, rather be rude and drive away.

• If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.

• Be aware of people informing you that you have a flat tyre - this could be a distraction to steal items inside the car or hijack you.

• Car jackers are known to stage a minor accident so they can approach your car. If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable, drive to the nearest police station for help.

• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime but never give strangers a lift.

• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage. Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.

• Vary the route you travel to work and back, if possible.

• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.

Keep valuables safe

• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.

• A gear lock is an affordable and effective anti-theft device.

• Do not leave your firearm in the glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle when you park the vehicle (this is against the law!).

• Valuable items should be placed in the boot of your car.

• Do not leave your keys in the ignition.

• Try to fit an alarm and/or anti-theft device in your car.

The new telephone number for Richards Bay police station is

031 3256446/7.