Hout Bay CBD Safety Tips

Every business owner and employee plays a part in making businesses safe

(Courtesy to SAPS, Coastal Security Services and FADT)

Here are some things you can do to help prevent a robbery:

• Have at least two employees open and close the business.
• Do not release personal information to strangers.
• Keep valuables locked away. Install an alarm system coupled to an armed response company.
• Place a surveillance camera behind the cash register, facing the front counter.
• Vary times and routes of travel for bank deposits.
• Keep a low balance in the cash register.
• Place excess money in a safe or deposit it as soon as possible.
• Keep your business neat and clean. A tidy, orderly place of business is inviting to customers, but not to robbers.
• Stay alert! Know who is in your business and where they are. Watch for people who hang around without buying anything. Also, be aware of suspicious activity outside your place of business. Write down licence numbers of suspicious vehicles if visible from the inside of your business and report to Watchcon.
• Make sure the sales counter can be seen clearly. Don’t put up advertisements, flyers, displays, signs, posters or other items on windows or doors that might obstruct the view of the cash register from inside or outside your business.
• Try to greet customers as they enter your business. Look them in the eye, and ask them if they need help. Your attention can discourage a robber.
• Keep your business well-lit, inside and outside.
• Keep trees and bushes trimmed, so they don’t block any outdoor lights, especially after sunset.
• Learn the names of the officers who patrol your business.
• Use care after dark. Make sure another employee inside the business keeps you within eye contact while you are involved in work details outside of your building.

Car Safety

• Always keep your doors locked.
• Park in a well-lit area at night.
• Keep enough distance from the rear of the car in front of you to enable you to change lanes in a hurry - this applies while driving and in traffic.
• Don't pick up hitchhikers.
• Look around before entering your driveway.
• Always have your car / house keys ready when walking to your car / entrance to your home.
• Be alert to strangers begging at intersections and avoid giving them money – rather donate to a known charity.
• Never open your window when approached by a stranger.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to a busy place or nearest police station.
• Don’t keep any items visible on the seat of your vehicle.

In the Street

• Don’t walk in deserted/dark areas.
• Keep your handbag or possessions close to your body.
• Don’t use your cellphone while walking.
• Plan your route before you set out on an excursion.
• Keep your cellphone and wallet tucked away.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or visibly carrying cameras and other valuables.
• Don’t carry large sums of money and avoid counting it in the open.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Entertainment Safety

• It is recommended that you use the services of a registered tour guide.
• Don’t leave handbags under tables on the backs of chairs or on rest room hooks.
• Don’t leave cellphones or wallets on restaurant tables.
• Keep your credit card at all times within sight.
• Don’t leave drinks unattended.