The government released the crime statistics for my province yesterday and the good news is the murders have dropped to only 13per day!
She sent me the following info ... read it and try imagine doing these things EVERYDAY of your life! The area this pertains to is NOT a big city, it is small suberban areas!
How to prevent a hijacking: (carJacking)
There are a few simple but effective tips…
- It isn't easy to spot a potential hijacker so be wary of anybody who approaches your car or is loitering near traffic lights, stop streets, parking lots or your driveway.
- Practice the 1km security routine to ensure you're fully concentrating on driving and what's going on around you. This is done by turning off your cell phone and radio and becoming extra vigilant.
- Look around before opening your car door. Every time you approach your car, even before you get in and drive off, you're a potential target.
- Report anything suspicious to police. They can't take action if they're unaware of the situation.
- Don't enter your garage or parking area if you suspect you're being followed. Rather drive to the nearest police station.
Protecting yourself from an attack.
One of the best ways of protecting yourself from attack is to avoid things that may provoke it. Stay out of unfamiliar areas, dress appropriately, avoid walking in unlit areas, and don't display valuables. Sometimes this however is unavoidable. Here are some steps that may be taken:
1. Take a self-defense class be it a paid one or free one offered by law enforcement.
2. Understand self defense equipment and its use. Pepper spray and stun guns are good products if used correctly. Although a set of keys or a kubaton may be a better choice both are hard to get away from you by your assailant. The kubaton is pointy object that won't pierce the skin but is small and handheld. It will inflict a lot of pain and deter an attack.
3. Another good choice is a personal alarm that you carry and can be set off. It produces a loud alarm to scare an attacker and alert others of your trouble. There also are models for you and your child that will alert you when your child gets out of range from you. These are usually adjustable for a 6 to 30 foot area. Especially helpful in store and mall settings.
4. Remember most cell phones have a speed dial setting for an emergency number.
Safeguarding your home
Simple but effective tips that could save your life in an emergency
Crime is ever present and often works in cycles with certain suburbs being more prone than others at times. Crimewatch sponsor ADT Security in KwaZulu-Natal is aware of this trend and keeps a close watch on the data collect ed within the areas of o perat ion . Often, homeowners can safeguard themselves and their families by taking certain, simple precautions.
These include;
1. Phoning your security service provider's control room on a monthly basis to test your alarm signal,
2. Have your alarm serviced at least once a year. Like a car, it has parts that age and wear out. Your insurance company will also, in all likelihood, check whether you have properly maintained your alarm in the event of a burglary.
3. Remember – alarms age beyond useful life and should be replaced with new equipment, which has enhanced technology/features to improve your protection.
4. When going out, ensure all your pets are locked out and that all doors and windows are closed and locked. Then arm your alarm. Make this your routine regardless of how long you will be out.
5. Ensure the entrance to your property is well lit and clear of trees and shrubs so you cannot be surprised by attackers lurking behind them. Always be extra vigilant when entering or exiting your property and, if possible, have your remote panic on hand.
6. Ensure that you have photocopies of the identity documents of any employees, who work or live on your property. Never employ a stranger without first obtaining their work history and get references.
7. Always ask for proof of identity when a salesman or serviceman wants to enter your property – even if it is a Security technician.
8. Do not let anyone in to your home to make a phone call if they claim to have broken down. Make the call for them but under no circumstances let a stranger in.
9. When you leave your local shopping mall check in your rearview mirror whether you are being followed. If you think you are, drive to your nearest police station or phone your security company's control room so that an armed response officer can meet you at your home.
10. Get to know your neighbours and start a block watch or consider implementing a foot or bicycle patrol in your area.
11. Do not play music or leave a TV on and then leave the doors and windows open while you go and work in another part of your house. This is the ideal opportunity for a prospective burglar to gain access to your home.
12. Do not leave ladders, spades or any other tools lying around your property, which burglars could use to attack someone or use to break-in to your house.
13. Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever lock or double cylinder security locks.
14. Remember that the best deterrent against any burglar is a watchdog that is allowed to freely roam your property. They will warn you of any intruders.
we leave on the 1st of December at 7am from Daytona beach (such a blessing to have found a flight from there and not from Orlando, which is quite a drive for us). Our crate leaves on November 18th along with our computer, but I am hoping to have our laptop up and running, so I should be able to post right up untill the night before we leave.
Prayers and thoughts sent your way! 
