Consider these helpful hints which reduce personal risk and safeguard your assets:

YOUR HOME

• General Safety:
  • Test your alarm and panic buttons regularly to ensure proper functioning.
  • Ask neighbours to collect your newspaper and empty your post box if you're away from home.
  • Obtain and check references of all new employees and keep a copy of their identity document.
  • Display your house street number clearly on an outside wall.
• Keys:
  • Put your car keys on a separate key ring to your house keys.
  • Never leave keys lying around. This could give potential thieves easy access to your home and possibly direct use of your car.
  • Avoid leaving keys in doors, especially those with glass panels.
• Valuables:
  • Lock expensive jewellery and valuables in a wall-mounted safe in the house, or in a safety deposit box at the bank.
  • Take photographs of valuables and keep a written description of each as proof of ownership and for easy identification.
  • Compile a list of the serial numbers of all photographic equipment, electronic goods and appliances and remember to update it when new items are purchased.
  • Note that the law requires that firearms should be stored in an approved gun safe when not being carried on your person.
• Hazards:
  • Be careful not to overload electrical outlets.
  • Place a fire screen in front of an open fire.
  • Use bottled gas and heaters with care.
  • Do not store inflammable substances (such as petrol, paint, thinners and pool chemicals) inside the house.

YOUR CAR

• General Safety:
  • Do not open car windows all the way, but just far enough to allow air flow.
  • Avoid parking in dark and/or deserted areas.
  • Keep all doors locked at all times.
  • Should an unknown car appear to be following you, drive directly to the nearest police station.
  • Do not give hitch-hikers a lift.
• Belongings:
  • Install a car radio which can be removed when you leave the car, or one which has a clip-off face.
  • Do not leave belongings in the interior of the car, whilst driving or parked, where they can be seen by potential thieves.
  • The following documents should be retained as they will assist in the settling of possible claims:
    • receipts or any proof of purchase, valuation certificates, instruction manuals etc.
    • invoices for vehicle non-standard accessories, service records and proof of kilometer reading.