Personal Safety Awareness - Be crime conscious - be aware of crime opportunities at all times. - Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. - Know all emergency numbers. - Trust your instinct. - Avoid talking to strangers. - Avoid congested areas as pick pockets target them. - Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them. - Walk in well-lit busy streets and in a group, if possible. - Keep your cellular phone away from the public eye. While Shopping - Never leave your bag or purse in your trolley, however well hidden by goods. - Never leave your bag or wallet unattended on a shop counter - not even momentarily. Remember, that is when thieves pounce. - Beware of pickpockets and never keep your wallet in your back pocket. - Hold your bag tightly. At the ATM - Be alert and conscious of your surroundings when using the ATM. - Never give your card or PIN (Personal Identification Number) to anyone, for any reason. - Don’t write your PIN on the card or anything that is kept with the card. - Do not insert your card until asked to do so by the display screen. - Never use an ATM with a blank screen and, if the ATM is obscured from view or poorly lit, leave immediately and find another ATM. - Stand close to the ATM and use your body and hand as shield to make sure nobody sees you keying in your pin. - Also, make sure you keep your hand over the card slot to make sure nobody can swop or take your card. - Never accept help from strangers when using an ATM. You should be wary of strangers asking for help. - Criminals work in teams- one to distract you while the other steals your card or money. - If your card is retained (swallowed) by the ATM it is advisable to phone your bank toll free stop card line immediately and stop your card. - Never allow a bystander to call the toll-free stop card line on your behalf- they could be tricking you into thinking your card has been stopped. - Guards are placed at ATMs to discourage criminal activities and therefore cannot help you with transactions. - If you need help, ask a bank official. - It is advisable to set a daily ATM withdrawal limit at your branch. Safety Awareness in a Vehicle - Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition when you plan to go on a journey. - Ensure that you have sufficient fuel. - Always lock your vehicles doors and keep the windows closed. - Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute. - Avoid stopping at remote places. - Park your vehicle in places that are well lit. - If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide - 5 cm is enough in order to have a discussion. - If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away. - Limit your trips at night or take someone with you. - If possible, vary the route you travel to work and back. - If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible, or press your hooter to attract attention. - If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past and report it to your nearest police station. - Car-jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car. - If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help. - Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car. - Your life is more valuable than your possessions. - Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon. - Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away. - A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime. - Do not give strangers a lift. - A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device. - 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. Safety in the Bank - When withdrawing large amounts of cash, make sure that you are escorted by one or two friends. - Do not accept help from strangers, rather ask the bank personnel. - Always ensure that there is an acceptable distance between you and other bank clients. - When you are in a bank and the bank is being robbed, follow the orders of the robbers (do not confront the robbers by apprehending them).