[Vehicle crime] [Driver Safety] [Neighborhood watch] [Burglary prevention] [Protect your business]

Vehicle Crime

                       Always close the windows and sunroof, lock the doors and activate any security devices when leaving your car unattended.  Park with care, particularly at night or if you are leaving the vehicle for a long time.  If possible, park in a busy, well-lit area.

                 Never leave cash, credit cards, cheque books, mobile phones, vehicle documents or other valuables in the car.  (If you have no choice but to do so, make sure they are hidden well out of sight before you begin your journey-thieves may be watching you park).

                    Never leave your keys in the car, even for a second-treat them as you would your cash and credit cards.  Make sure they are kept in a secure place at home and at work-burglars have been known to break into houses and offices to steal car keys.

                  If you see anything unusual or suspicious, call the police immediately.  In an emergency dial 911.

                   When buying a car always know where the VIV (Vehicle Identification Number) is located.  This is also known as the chassis number, it is a unique 17 character number issued to every vehicle by the manufacturer.  Make sure the VIN has not been tampered with and that it matches that on the registration document.

Look for the VIN:

v                 Stamped on the body chassis or frame.

v                 On a manufacturer’s VIN plate under the bonnet or fixed to the post between the front and rear doors.

v                 On an additional plate fixed securely to the top corner of the dash board where it can easily be seen through windscreen – this is called a visible VIN

Driver Safety

                   Make sure that your car is kept in good running order.  Do not put your self at risk by running out of oil, petrol or water.  Take the time to learn the basics of car maintenance and have your car serviced by a reputable garage.

                 If your feel vulnerable traveling alone it is worth considering purchasing a mobile phone.  Ensure the mobile is fully charged before setting off on long journeys.  Always let someone know where your are going.

                 Do not drive if your are intoxicated with alcohol or is on medication that will be make you lethargic.

Neighborhood watch

 Become part of a community team whose members work together to protect each               other from crime. (Watching and caring – not snooping).   

That’s what Neighborhood Watch is all about – looking out for each other.  Neighbors uniting and acting together means that dozens of eyes and ears are ready to pick up on anything happening in the neighborhood that could cause worry or concern.  It’s not about being nosy or interfering, it’s about being a good neighbor and caring about your community.

Burglary Prevention

                 A burglar will select his target because it offers him the best opportunity to carry out his crime undetected and with fewest number of obstacles in his way.  A building that presents itself as unoccupied and insecure is far more likely to be targeted that one which is properly secured.

            Do not leave side gates and accessible windows open.  Do not leave ladders out this allow access to otherwise inaccessible windows.

                 Do not leave garden tools exposed it can be used to force entry.  Untrimmed hedges or high fences prevent natural surveillance.

                  All the windows shut in very hot weather or unlit houses after dark tells a burglar that the house is unoccupied.  This tells the burglar that he is unlikely to be disturbed in the course of his work.  Naturally, circumstances may arise when such situations may be unavoidable.  If we can take measures that tell the burglar that this building is too difficult or too risky a target, he will hopefully move on.

                   Make a burglar job difficult by installing timers which switch lights or radios on and off automatically.

Protect your business from robbery

                  Be alert.  All members of your staff should maintain vigilance at all times, anything unusual, e.g people loitering outside, should be noted and reported to management or the police.  Keep windows clear to allow good vision.

                  Vision and lighting.  Maintain a high level of lighting inside and outside the premises.  Be careful when putting up displays and signs, ensuring good vision inside premises and through windows.

                   Early acknowledgement.  Visitors or customers should be made aware that a member of staff has seen them enter.  In other words eye contact should be made.

                  Dangers of habit.  Company premises holding large sums of money are most vulnerable when staffing levels are low, e.g. during lunch hours or when opening or closing the business.  Staff working alone need extra security arrangements.  While it is accepted that procedures within any organization are necessary, predictable routines should always be avoided; e.g. vary cash delivery/collection times and routes to and from bank or business.  

                    Reduce the quantity of cash held in tills by using deposit safes  with time controls.  Know your emergency procedures. All staff should familiarize themselves with company procedures

[Vehicle crime] [Driver Safety] [Neighborhood watch] 

[Burglary prevention] [Protect your business]