PROTECT YOURSELF
It is always important to protect yourself when shopping as unscrupulous persons who desire to rob or harm you in order to get your cash, target many individuals. But how can you protect yourself when shopping?
Dorothy Campbell, communication specialist at the Consumer Affairs Commission in Kingston, said, "Persons need to be alert and on the look out for unsuspecting individuals who want to prey on them."
· Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
· Hold on to your purse and bags.
· Double-check with the store clerk if all identifications, credit cards, etc., have been returned to you before leaving the store.
· Always park your vehicles in a well-lit safe parking areas.
· Go to the ATM in the daytime.
· If you are alone at home and you drive, always call and ask your neighbour(s) to assist when going in at nights.
· Don't take out large sums of cash when shopping in a store, only what you want to use.
· When visiting a relative, do not leave unfamiliar places at nights. Instead leave when a many persons are around.
TAKE CAUTION
· Always lock your vehicles, even when leaving it for a short time.
· Don't keep spare keys hidden on the frame or body of the vehicle.
· All windows should be wound up completely. A slightly open window can render all other precautions useless.
· Park as close as possible to buildings when parking at shopping malls or stores.
· Don't leave valuables visible in your vehicle.
· When waiting for someone, avoid parking in a lonely spot.
· When visiting, drive into the premises. If that is not possible, park at a well-lit a spot, so the vehicle is clearly visible.
· Female drivers should be cautious when driving alone at nights. If being trailed, drive to the nearest place of safety, sound your horn constantly, or begin to shout.
· Walk on well-lit streets.
· When approaching your homes have your keys in your hand, ready to open your doors and grills, and be aware of pedestrians or motor vehicles, which if someone is following you. If you suspect that you are being followed, cross the street, scream, and run to a lit business place or home.
· If a car is chasing you, run in the opposite direction. It takes time to turn a car around, time you could use to get to safety.
· Avoid clumps of bushes; abundant buildings, and other places of which make it possible for persons to hide, and attack you.
What to do if you are held up at gun point:
· Do not panic, get a grip of yourself, breathe in and out and try to stay calm.
· Don't resist.
· Obey instructions.
· Be alert and look for peculiar features on the robber(s).
· Some people take foolish risks, if the robber threatens you with a gun, your chance of disarming him is very small.
· Your best protection is thinking ahead of time, what you would do under normal circumstances and choose the right time to make your escape.
Additional source: Constabulary Communication Network (CCN) in Kingston