Christmas
is here again, with its peculiar Security problems. So it is natural we should
launch this weekly Darforp Security Blog with Security Tips for the season.
In
many parts of the world, the rate of crime increases just before Christmas. Part
of the reason for this is the quest by criminals for money to spend during the
season on travels, entertainment etc, and the fact that money is easily
available on people and in homes as people stock up.
In
Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, people take advantage of the holidays
to travel to the countryside to visit with family and friends. This may mean
having no one at the town house for the period. We, therefore, have to take measures
to safeguard the empty house, have a safe journey to and fro the countryside,
and stay safe while away.
A.
The
Town House:
if
no one is staying behind here,
·
Ensure the windows
and doors are locked. We assume the windows, especially the ones on the ground
and first floors have good burglar-proof protection.
·
Draw the curtains
close.
·
Leave all Security
lights, and at least one light point inside the house, on. This is to make
believe that there is someone in the house.
·
Keep travel plans
closely guarded. Not everyone (even among your friends) has the Need To Know
this.
·
Lock away ladders
and any such items that will aid intruders scale the wall.
·
Arm the intrusion
alarms, and have the CCTV systems record on motion-activated mode, if
electronic systems are installed.
·
Have the local
police and/or a trusted neighbor keep an eye on the house while you are away
B.
On
the Road:
·
Only road-worthy
vehicles with correct and current particulars should be put on the road. This
prevents avoidable delays with the police and mechanic.
·
Leave early enough
to avoid doing the last lap of the journey at night. This allows time to deal with
unexpected hiccups.
·
Keep valuable
locked away in the vehicle trunk.
·
Keep doors locked
and windows wound up enough to stop a hand being trust into the car from
outside, in slow moving traffic.
·
Maintain the
approved speed limit.
·
Have someone (like
the trusted neighbor looking after your house) manage the journey for you.
Agree on points from where you should call to report progress. If they do not
hear from you, they should call you. Likewise, if you have unexpected problems,
report to them while finding a solution.
·
Do not offer lift
to strangers. You could be overpowered on the way and disposed of valuables,
including your car.
·
If traveling in a
commercial vehicle, do not accept food or drink from strangers. They could be
drugged.
·
Keep an eye on your
luggage while your commercial vehicle is dropping off passengers. Your luggage
could be switched.
·
Drive on the inner
or middle lane if in a slow-moving traffic. Hoodlums operate easily and freely
from the side nearest the side or service lane.
·
Do not economize on
gas. Better to have a full tank at the end of the journey than to have an empty
one in the middle of nowhere, especially with night approaching.
C.
The
Countryside:
·
Maintain low
profile. Flaunting wealth and opulence naturally attracts criminals to you
·
Get the threat
analysis from those who stay in the place. The current or prevailing crime
profile should be a good guide.
·
Avoid isolated spots.
Do not move alone. There is strength in numbers.
·
Avoid keeping late
nights.
·
Let someone know
where you are at all times.
·
Know who your true friends
are.
The
above list is not exhaustive. It is supposed to be a guide. Should you need a
quick advice on any Security issue, call our Helpline: +234 0802 222 1738.
Merry
Christmas.
Chairman/CEO
Darforp SecurityGroup
Follow us on our twitter handle: @darforp
Follow us on our twitter handle: @darforp
