Security Tips for the Holidays

From The Diplomatic Police Unit Nairobi

There 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 RESIDENCE

1) 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 TRAVEL

1) 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 AREAS

1) 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 ADVISORY

As 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.

Kenya's Black Spots

NAIROBI POLICE INFORMATION DESK

The following sections are considered risky for motorists due to the number of accidents that have occurred in their vicinity. Motorists are advised to take extra care whilst driving in these areas.

NAIROBI PROVINCE
1. Kasarani G.S.U Stretch
2. Westlands Museum Roundabout
3. Westlands Kabete Road
4. Mombasa Road Between ZAIN Hqrs 7 Cabanas
5. Jogoo Road Near Maziwa Stage
6. Waiyaki Way Near Kangemi Fly Over

COAST PROVINCE
1. Tsavo – Maungu – Voi Road Section
2. Wundanyi - Mwatate Road Section
3. Maungu - Tsavo East Gate Road Section
4. Maktau - Taveta Road Section
5. Mazeras Miritini Road Section
6. Rabai Ribe Road Section
7. Kaloleni Dzitsoni Road Section
8. Kilifi - Vipingo Road Section
9. Kibarani - Changamwe Makande
10. Kwale Matuga Junction Road Section
11. Tembo Disco Area Along Msa – Malindi Road
12. Kengeleni Traffic Lights
13. Buxton Traffic Lights
14. Saba-Saba Lights
15. Kibarani Area
16. Sportsman Changamwe Area
17. Navy Junction Long Lunga- Lunga/Likoni Rd
18. Shika – Adabu Area
19. Waa Sec. School Area
20. Gede Area Along Msa-Malindi Road

EASTERN PROVINCE
1. Nkubu - Embu Road Section
2. Konza Junction To Salama Road Section – Mombasa/Nrb At Chumvi Area
3. Salama - Sultan Hamud Road Section
4. Emali Simba Market To Kibwezi
5. Mtito To Tsavo River Stretch
6. Nanyuki To Isiolo Junction At Subuiga
7. Machakos - Wamunyu Road Section At Kithangathini
8. Mlolongo - Small World Club – And Juction To Namaga And At Mto Wa Mawe Bridge

CENTRAL PROVINCE
1. Kiganjo - Narumoru Road
2. Kibirigwi - Sagana Road Section
3. Limuru - Uplands Section
4. Thika Blue Post - Sagana Bridge Road Section
5. Kiriaini – Muranga Road Section
6. Nyeri – Nyahururu Road
7. Makongeni (Along Thika – Garissa Road)
8. Makutano Embu Road
9. Kiambu – Muthaiga Road

RIFT VALLEY PROVINCE

1. Kinungi - Naivasha – Gilgil Toll Station
2. Gilgil - Mbaruk Road Section
3. Molo G.S.U Camp - Salgaa
4. Salgaa To A.D.C. Farm Section
5. Timboroa - Burnt Forest Section
6. Chepsir - Kipkelion Junction
7. Kericho - Litein Road Section
8. Kericho - Kaitui Section
9. Endebes Eldoret Road Section
10. Nanyuki Isiolo Junction
11. Nyeri – Nyahururu Wiyumiririe Area
12. Gilgil Nakuru Road Kasambara Area


WESTERN PROVINCE
1. Mbale - Vihiga Road Section
2. Kakamega Chavakali Road Section
3. Kakamega - Kisumu – Ilesi Museno
4. Kakamega – Mumias Rd – Makunga
5. Kakamega - Webuye – Lubao, Kambi Ya Mwanza Ejinya Corner, Malava Forest
6. Bungoma – Eldoret – Chemoi
7. Kitale Webuye – Lugulu Misikhu

NYANZA PROVINCE
1. Awasi Ahero Road Section
2. Kiboswa Kisumu Road Section
3. Daraja Mbili - Bondo Junction
4. Oyugis - Katitu Road Section
5. Migori Kakrao Road
6. Gucha Bridge
7. Migori Township
8. Ogembo Nyanguso Road
9. Kisii Township Main Road
10. Mwembe Area Kisii Town
11. Kisii Daraja Mbili

NORTH EASTERN PROVINCE
1. Garissa Madogo - Kbc Station
2. Modogashe - Habaswein
3. Ukasi - Bangale
4. Bangale – Hola Road Junction
5. Buna - Gurar

Credit Card/Identity Theft in Kenya

One of our readers, a local security consultant, noticed a disturbing trend in Kenya concerning the way many businesses are handling credit card transactions and provided some valuable information and tips to help protect you from credit or identity theft.
Statistics in the United States from the Federal Trade Commission reported that 1 in 6 Americans would become a victim of identity theft in 2008. Criminal identity theft occurs when an imposter gives another person's name and personal information such as a drivers' license, date of birth, or National ID to obtain a job, housing, money, goods, or other services. Or the imposter may present to a counterfeit license or form of ID containing another person's data.

So how to do we prevent this from happening to us? First every household needs a shredder and our reader recommends the cross cut type. Dumpster diving, going through the rubbish for information, is an old method but still the number one way criminals get our information. Our reader noted that many of the businesses in Kenya are still printing our full credit card numbers on receipts. If you forget to take a receipt, throw it into the rubbish, or simply leave the receipt laying about in your house you are essentially giving your credit card to anyone who has access to this receipt. When you notice a business isn’t blocking out your card number on the receipt you need to bring this to the attention of the restaurant or store manager and to your bank. Eventually when enough people take notice and complain, change will come about.

Another common practice in many local businesses is for the store to enter your full credit card information into their computer system. Most people rarely notice when this happens but after the attendant runs your card into the machine they sometimes move to a computer and begin entering your personal information. Our reader noted when this happens he asks to speak with the manager and if they won’t run the transaction without recording personal information then he will pay cash or cancel the transaction. It only takes one dishonest employee or someone with a basic knowledge of computers and the stores entire customer list with credit card information can be stolen. There is no reason or excuse for a business to keep a file or store your personal information, and unless you bring this to the stores attention the practice will continue.

We’ve discussed this in previous newsletters but you should never give out personal information over the phone, and careful consideration should be made concerning the personal information you provide to all businesses. In Kenya scams are often run out of the prisons and may take many forms. Pre-texting is where a person pretending to be with a legitimate company like your mobile carrier, supermarket, etc calls or sends an sms to try to get you to verify your account numbers or even passport number. Phishing is basically the same except the thief will send you an email instead of calling you. Fake sweepstakes or lottery offers are usually sent by sms or email and claim that you've won a promotion, lottery or some other sweepstakes that you've never actually entered. Remember if contacted by phone or sms message, remain calm and don’t give out any personal information. Always note the number, don’t pick up if they call again, and never respond to messages from unknown numbers.

Social Networking sights are another area where thieves may gather your personal information. Most adults are careful about the information they give out but some teenagers and even unknowing adults may put themselves at risk of identity theft with the personal information the post to online sites such as Facebook. Identity thieves find names, addresses, and even birth dates on popular sites and use them to commit identity fraud.

Another area of concern comes from lost or stolen personal items. It's pretty obvious how thieves steal your identity by stealing your wallet or purse but how many consider the personal information they’re storing inside of an iphone or laptop. As the technology becomes smaller and easier to use you may be tempted to store personal information on these devices. Careful consideration should be made concerning the personal information you store on these devices. There are commercial programs available which store this information inside of password protected vaults or encrypted partitions, but the best practice is to consider how this information could be used in the hands of thieves and then decide if it’s worth storing the information on your device and the level of protection you may need for this personal information.
It’s easy to think, “it won’t happen to me, or hasn’t happened yet” but given the statistics the crime is growing fast and the chances are high you may be affected. There are many more tactics used to gain access to your personal information and the thieves are coming up with new scams daily. Unless you are proactive in your approach to protect yourself from this crime by limiting the personal information you give out and speaking out when stores or business aren’t protecting your privacy you too could be victim of this crime.

Kidnap & Ransom

The following information was given to me by the Diplomatic Police Unit in Nairobi:

Kidnap Prevention

There has been a new development in kidnappings in the Nairobi area in recent months. Kenyans have been kidnapped by Kenyans in the past and this continues. The new development is kidnapping of Internationals where ransom has been demanded and paid.

Kidnapping or hostage taking is a crime that is used for both ideological ends, by terrorists, or monetary gain, by criminals. From the information available on the recent kidnappings in Nairobi, these kidnappings are for ransom.

This type of crime requires planning and coordination and is one of the few non-opportunist crimes affecting the population of Kenya.

Mitigating measures:

At Home

• Identify visitors before opening the door or gate to your premises; if in doubt, don’t open. If visitors are insistent, push the Security alarm to have the Security mobile Response Team respond and handle the visitor. If no security alarm, call the Jurisdictional police (have Police hotline stored in mobile phones).

• Use solid wooden or metal doors and good dead bolt locks.

• Keep windows locked.

• At night, close curtains before turning on lights.

• Erect tall boundaries, walls and fences maximize your security and privacy.

• Keep young children in sight or, if leaving them with someone, ensure that this person is aware that they may be at risk of kidnapping. Ensure that guardians of children have a mobile phone with appropriate contact numbers.

Lighting

• Effective use of lighting can considerably improve your personal safety.

• Consider sensor/timer activated lighting.

• At night, leave a courtesy light on at your front door/gate.

• Always have reserve lights (such as torches or candles) readily available in the residence and in vehicles.

Key Care

• Keep strict control over your keys.

• Do not allow duplicates to be made without your permission.

• If a key is lost, replace lock(s).

• Never conceal keys outside the premises or where anyone would know where they are.

• Always be vigilant and report anything suspicious to your Jurisdictional Police and Security Provider.

Traveling

By vehicle:

• Be alert, especially when leaving or entering your home/premises.

• Vary your routes and times of journeys.

• Travel with company, (in convoy) where possible.

• Report any suspicious vehicles or people to Police or the Security Provider.

• If you think you are being followed; go to the nearest public area (shopping mall, well lit petrol station, Police Post; avoid becoming isolated).

• Be suspicious of anyone trying to get you to stop or leave your vehicle.

• Always, keep windows closed and doors locked.

• When stopping; do not allow yourself to be boxed in, leave enough room to maneuver.

• When parking, do not leave anything in your vehicle that may identify you or your business.

• Try to avoid parking anywhere that may become dark or isolated before your return.

Walking

• Avoid walking after hours of darkness.

• Keep to busy, brightly lit areas where possible.

• Avoid short cuts across waste ground, deserted parks and unlit alleys.

• Be alert to your surroundings.

If A Kidnapping Occurs

• Your only job is to survive.

• At the time of your seizure, do not attempt to fight back. The first 15 to 45 minutes are the most dangerous.

• Do not play the hero; do not talk back or act “tough.”

• Fear is a normal reaction.

• Try to relax, pause, take a deep breath and accept the situation.

• Keep a low profile.

• Be cooperative without appearing either servile or antagonistic.

• Follow the instructions of your captors.

• Never beg, plead or cry.

• Do not make threats against your captors or indicate that you would testify against them.

• Avoid appearing to study your captor’s features, dress and mannerisms.

• Try to gain your captors’ respect and try to build rapport with them.

• An excellent topic of discussion is family and children.

• Encourage your captors to let the authorities know your condition and whereabouts.

• Take care of yourself; exercise, stay well groomed, eat and drink even if you are not hungry.

• Be patient and mentally prepared for isolation.

• Focus your mind on pleasant scenes, memories or prayers.

• Do not attempt to escape unless you are certain you will be successful.

• If there is a rescue attempt by force, drop to the floor and keep your hands over your head.

• Once the situation stabilizes identify yourself to the rescuers.

If anyone has any additions or comments we welcome your comments.

4x4 Training

I'm pooped. I have just finished a marathon training session with a humanitarian peace keeping organization. 72 people doing 4x4 & Vehicle recovery.
Anytime you have so much training in a relatively short time it takes it out of you. I gotta say my staff of Rory, Lawrence, Moses worked extremely hard to get through it and they deserve BIG kudos for a job well done.
I am happy to see the school business growing and it looks as if we are in for the best year yet in GEPDS history.
We are now looking forward to the next half of the year. Thanks for the support.

Developing Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School

Where to now?

As you can see from the last blog the famous Glen Edmunds Performance Auto Services is now sold and is called 4x4 Services by the new owners Colin & Terry Davidson. So what's the next chapter for Glen?

I am developing other areas of business and you’ll soon see a whole new look and feel to our current courses. Without giving too much away just yet, we are doing some exciting stuff in the development department and that will make not only the existing courses even better, but you will also see us launch some new products in the near future.

I will be in the USA in July and updating my own training, as well as following through on new business opportunities within our realm.

The staff at Glen Edmunds Peformance Driving School, (offices at Lengai house, Wilson airport) probably wish I was still in the workshop as they have had more work to do since my retirement from the workshop!

Well as I said before, we are going to be doing a lot this year, so watch this space....

The Workshop - The Final Farewell

So my mate Mick has been telling me for ages to get rid of the workshop and concentrate on the driving school. But I guess my ego has been standing in the way.

With the onset of the global recession creeping steadily towards Africa, and Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School's growing success, I decided that I should either sell the workshop or close it down. So I gathered up my courage and "bit the bullet" so to speak. Fortunately I managed to find a buyer and kicked my ego into touch and sold it.

It’s was a bit of a shock, but now that it's done and dusted, I’m sleeping better, have more energy, have more time on my hands to develop other revenue streams, and in general - much happier. It’s an amazing thing. All in all I know now I did the right thing.

The workshop is in good hands, and going well. Having a new management has breathed new life in to the “old dog”. When I look back on it, I guess I was holding onto it in the hope that Safari Rally would one day miraculously come back to Kenya. However, the realization that the Safari is never coming back, and that Kenya has fallen from favor with the IRC is quite sobering. So with Safari gone there was no need to have such an expensive or extensive work shop.

So I have said "goodbye" to all my staff and will try to remember only the positive memories (and to be honest there were more negative than positives recently trying to juggle two business).

My talents will be better spent doing what I love right now which is developing the Glen Edmunds Performance Driving School.
So in the words of the immortal Bob Hope – “Thanks for the memories” and "asta lavista baby"