January is all about fresh starts — new diaries, new goals, and the return to early alarms and busy commutes. As South Africans head back to work and school after the festive break, Fidelity Services Group is reminding everyone to add one more thing to their back-to-work checklist: Safety.
“The festive season may be over, but opportunistic crime doesn’t take a holiday,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing & Communications for Fidelity. “As people settle back into their routines, criminals look for easy opportunities — especially when we’re rushing, distracted, or a little out of practice.”
To help keep the year off to a safe start, Hattingh encourages commuters to keep back-to-work safety top of mind.
Here are 5 crime trends to be aware of when commuting:
- Taxi robbers often pose as passengers
- Smash and grabs are still rife at various intersections across South Africa. Be aware of hotspots and if you drive these routes, make sure all valuables are out of sight. Don’t talk on your cell phone with the window down; this is like taking candy off a baby for a snatch-and-go criminal
- Rather walk in groups and keep your eyes peeled for suspicious people loitering nearby. If you are approached by an attacker who wants to rob you of your belongings, scream loudly to attract attention. Carry pepper spray or a taser and keep your cell phone out of sight
- Be aware of your surroundings when leaving and coming home. Don’t pull into your driveway if you see a strange car or people loitering nearby. Rather drive to a safe place and report it for your security company to investigate
- Learners walking to and from school must avoid talking to strangers, no matter what they say their ‘emergency’ is. Also, don’t walk with earphones in and your cell phone out.
Businesses are also encouraged to start the year with a quick security check — test alarms, review access permissions, and remind staff of basic safety protocols.
“All workplaces should have proper emergency protocols in place that are well communicated to all staff so that in the event of an emergency of any kind, everyone knows what to do and not do.”
“Another thing not to be overlooked is first aid and emergency care in the workplace. Accidents happen quickly and are never planned. The health and safety team needs to be ready to administer immediate care and first aid until professional help arrives.”
“Staff unsure of their company’s emergency protocols should ask a manager for clarity.”
Hatting adds that a security system linked to an armed response service can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
Since even the most secure workplaces can become targets for criminals, Fidelity recommends these types of security systems to help keep premises and staff safe:
- Business surveillance systems
- Branded security officers on site and visible
- 24/7 security monitoring
- Surveillance cameras
- Fire alarm systems
- Access control systems
“A safe start sets the tone for the year ahead,” concludes Hattingh “With a little awareness and preparation, everyone can focus on what really matters — getting back into the swing of things.”
Issued on behalf of Fidelity Services Group – CharnelH@fidelity-services.com
