Hari Raya Personal Safe Tips

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the time to reconnect with your loved ones, as well as to travel. Talking about travelling, the balik kampung (returning to hometown) exodus is considered as an annual affair for many families.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city for days or weeks is truly exciting, but it is also the time for you to make sure measures are taken to secure your home. There are things that you should take into consideration in order to secure your home and belongings.

With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes forget the basics about safety on the streets and at home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is happy and safe. Crime prevention involves being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger, thereby closing the criminal's window of opportunity.it is wise to brush up on a few important, personal safety tips –


Outdoors Activities : Specially for those who staying in town and lepak-ing around …

• Always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of the store or mall. 
• Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your full attention on your surroundings. 
• Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the car and waiting to strike when you least expect it. 
• If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort. 
• Keep your purse close to your body. 
• If your bag has long straps, shorten them. 
• If possible, avoid carrying a large bag. A fanny pack is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run. 
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards. 
• Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas. 
• Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit areas. Don't take shortcuts through wooded areas. Don't be distracted by a cell phone conversation. 
• Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall. 
• If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared, yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important. 

Indoor Activities : Residences area, office, colleges …

• ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a few moments. 
• Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way. 
• Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places. 
• If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.

WHAT ELSE YOU CAN DO?

1.  ALWAYS BE NICE WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS



“Always let someone you trust know, such as a neighbour, that you will not be around for a certain period of time so they may keep watch of your home from time to time while you’re away.

“Don’t forget to give them your phone number so they can contact you in case of an emergency,” They are might be the closest one to you when you in danger.

2.  SWITCH ON & PLUG OFF.

 

Fix an electric timer in your house to switch on and off several lights around your home while you're away. This is to ensure your house is lit up, especially at night, giving the impression that someone is home. It is important to make sure that the gas valve to the stove is taken off. Same goes for many other home appliances, they need to be detached from power sockets.

3.  CCTV – DUMMY OR NOT?




Installing a dummy CCTV camera or alarm unit is a good idea for your home. This is especially so for those who cannot afford the real one. How effective these fake cameras or alarms is hard to measure but it could prove as a deterrent for anyone intending to break into your home.

4.  HIDE YOUR VALUABLES
 

Refrain from exposing valuable objects or items. Bicycles, car batteries or car sport rims could attract burglars who would want to sell these items for a quick buck.

You should also bring along jewelleries, cash, watches and other valuable items or have them placed in a safe at the bank or a hidden compartment in your home.

Don't forget to also bring along your bank books or hide them as well. No one should know how much money you have in your account.

“This is to prevent criminals from knowing how much money you have,"

• Make sure the doors and windows are closed and secured with strong padlocks. Steel chains with locks are also good for that extra protection.
• Make sure the timer and alarms are functioning properly.
• Temporarily suspend your newspaper or any subscriptions during the period that you are away.
• You are also encouraged to take an insurance policy on your home just in case it gets broken in to.
• Inform the police of your plans and provide them with your details such as contact number, the dates of your departure and return, and vehicle registration number (if you are leaving any)

By

Yong Yi Ling

Students of Bachelor In Public Relations (Honours)

Faculty Social Science, Arts and Humanities
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College