Dear Friend,

South Africa's reported murder rate is the sixth highest in the world. There’s no doubt South Africa is a dangerous place to live in. A recent study determined that a million women and children are raped each year which means that at least one woman is raped every 23 seconds. Theft, assault and break-ins account for nearly 60% of serious crime and we all have our own horror stories.

But armed with these tips you, your family and your possessions can stay safe. You never know, they could literally save your life...

In the name of good health,

Pascale Barrow
Managing Editor of Personal & Finance Confidential

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I spoke to security companies, self defence teachers and police officials on tips to protect yourself and loved ones against the crime wave in our otherwise beautiful country...

Protect yourself

•  Never walk around alone after dark. If you have little other choice, keep to well-lit streets even if it’s the longer route.
•  Never talk to strangers and always be aware of strange people or cars, whether you’re at the mall or in a deserted car park.
•  When you leave home, always let someone know where you’re going and approximately how long you’ll be gone for.
•  Women: never ask men you don’t know for directions, instead ask at a garage, shop or business.
• Never enter an ATM or phone booth without being fully aware of who’s around you. Never enter one in which you could be trapped or surrounded and avoid ones in isolated locations or late at night.
• Learn emergency numbers by heart and programme them into your cellphone on speed dial.
• Be especially wary around unlit entrances to buildings. It’s a common tactic for criminals to use in such situations.
• If you think you’re being followed, make a sudden turn, cross the street, pick up your pace or head to the closest public, well-lit place where you can get help.
• If someone attacks you, scream “FIRE!”, unfortunately, yelling “rape” or “help” isn’t as effective in getting attention from those who may be nearby as they’ll flee for their own protection.

Protect your home

• Always keep doors and windows locked, especially when no one’s home.
• Reinforce doors with iron grille gates protected by a metal clasp and a strong closed-shackle padlock.
• Install a burglar alarm in the house with infared detectors around it. These will automatically switch on lights in the case of an intruder.
• Cut back undergrowth, trees, bushes or shrubs that  may provide cover for intruders close to the house. Be vigilant with this around your driveway to deter potential hijackers.
• Ask callers for proof of identity. If they’re genuine they won’t mind and will have it on them, usually displaying their photograph.
• Beware of callers attempting to distract you by claiming that they’ve seen someone or something untoward in your front garden, only to get you to leave your house.
• If you’re home alone and there’s a stranger at the door, never open the door to them unless you’re perfectly satisfied with a legitimate reason.

Protect your cash

• Avoid using ATMs after dark- try remember to draw your cash during the day
• Never accept assistance from a stranger. If someone tries to “assist” you and you feel it’d be safer to play along, punch in an incorrect PIN number and leave immediately!
• Always shred your till slips and any document that includes personal information such as credit card details or ID numbers.

Protect your life, then your car

• Never allow your car to be boxed in by another. Allow enough space for a quick escape!
• Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked. And never stop for a hitchhiker or someone that appears to be stranded.
• Avoid accepting anything from vendors at intersections, whether it’s a pamphlet or window wash.
• If you’re bumped by another car, assess the situation and whoever’s in the other car. If the situation gives you a funny feeling, jot down the car's registration number and description. Signal for the other car to follow you and drive to the nearest police station or a busy, well lit area.
• Whenever you get out your car, be sure to take your keys, phone and wallet with you and stay alert.
• Slow down to a stop, leaving enough room to manoeuvre around other cars if there’s any chance for danger so that you can get away.
• If an unarmed stranger threatens you and gets into your car, run the car into a wall, parking metre or anything to bring attention and hopefully, rescue.
• If you’re ever in the unfortunate situation where someone threatens your life or safety and demands your possessions, give them over and get away as soon as possible. Posessions can be replaced while your life cannot.