From The Diplomatic Police Unit NairobiThere are standard precautions we should take to ensure security of our residences, persons and property. This is especially true during the Holiday Season. Historically, the Holiday Season brings with it an increase in property theft, burglary and opportunistic crime such as muggings, car-jacking and extortion scams.
With the Holiday Season is fast approaching, many individuals and families will be traveling out of country or vacationing away from their residences.
Some of these tips are general residential security measures that should be practiced at all times.
Please read the following to better protect your residences when away and when traveling, security tips to avoid misfortune at the hands of criminals.
TIPS ON SAFE GUARDING YOUR RESIDENCE1) Do not let strangers into your house and insist on seeing identification cards of KPLC, Telkom or NCC staff etc, before allowing them to enter your plot. Alert Security Guards that no one is to entry the property without the authority of the owner/tenant. Always have Security Guards escort!
2) Never leave keys for your house or gate unsecured or in dropping points like doormats and flowerpots. Make sure all spare keys are accounted for and that they are secured.
3) Do not leave ladders or heavy tools outside your residence; these may be used to facilitate a break-in.
4) Establish a good relationship with your neighbours, ensure they are aware of your absence and keep an eye on your house.
5) If you have a reputable security provider (KSIA Member) inform their senior staff as to the period you are away and give them a contact number in the event of an emergency. Your security company should arrange patrols of your premises or increased supervision during the period you are away.
6) When you are out of town ensure that your residential staff members carry out normal daily routines. Curtains remaining shut during the day and external lights remaining on during the day can advertise your absence to opportunists
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7) Never employ staff without thoroughly checking their references, avoid employing casual labor. If casual labor is necessary, record identity information, contact numbers and references before allowing laborers on the property.
8) Do not allow your staff to have visitors on or near your compound.
9) Be wary of construction sites near your premises, casual workers on such sites are often involved in criminal activity.
WHEN YOU TRAVEL1) Check for construction detours and for longer trips, obtain a weather forecast.
2) Inform a friend or family member where you will be, contact numbers and when you expect to return. Give the route of travel.
3) Travel during daylight hours.
4) Always carry a mobile telephone with recorded emergency telephone numbers.
5) Maintain a minimum of one-half tank of fuel.
6) On longer trips, have water, food, first aid kit and blankets in the vehicle.
7) If involved in a non-injury accident, in an unsafe location, acknowledge the accident to the other driver(s) and proceed to a safe location. Summon the Police.
8) If signaled to stop by any vehicle other than a clearly marked law enforcement vehicle, acknowledge the signal and waive the driver to follow to a safe location. Record Jurisdictional Police numbers, call Police, tell them your location and that you are being followed by an unmarked vehicle. Ask Police to send a marked vehicle to your location.
9) When returning to vehicle, carry keys in hand and be ready to unlock the door and enter quickly. Take a quick look inside vehicle before entering.
TRAVELING BY VEHICLE IN HOME AREAS1) Be alert, especially when leaving or entering your home/premises.
2) Vary your routes and times of journeys.
3) Travel with company, (in convoy) where possible.
4) Report any suspicious vehicles or people to Police or the Security Provider.
5) If you think you are being followed; go to the nearest public area (shopping mall, well lit petrol station, Police Post); avoid becoming isolated.
6) Be suspicious of anyone trying to get you to stop or leave your vehicle.
7) Always keep windows closed and doors locked when in urban centres and where there are crowds.
8) When stopping, avoid being ‘boxed in,’ leave enough room to maneuver.
9) When parking, do not leave anything in your vehicle that may identify you or your business.
10) Try to avoid parking anywhere that may become dark or isolated before your return.
VEHICLE HIJACK ADVISORYAs most Nairobi residents are aware, vehicle hijacking continues to occur on a regular basis.
It is worthy of note, however; that the vast majority of hijackings do not involve injury to the victim or damage to the vehicle.
The following are a few points of recommended behavior drawn from real incidents:
1. Avoid use of the same route on daily basis to work / home/ school / college etc.
2. Change cars if possible from time to time.
3. Avoid unnecessary travel during the late hours. When it is absolutely necessary travel with someone, DO NOT travel alone.
4. Ensure that you are familiar with road networks around your house / office and greater Nairobi.
5. After attending social functions or dinners / movies, if you notice people around your car please do not approach but seek security intervention.
6. Statistics show that most times for hijacks are usually between 6am and 9am for the morning and between 5pm and 9pm for the evening.
7. Cooperate with the hijackers. Material items can be replaced.
