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There are specific considerations as
to keeping yourself safe and secure when you're making
a trip using public transportation, or when you're
in the car. Much of the crime against vehicles and
theft from vehicles can be prevented.
Public transport
As with everything, you are safest where
there are other people, and where it is light or well
lit.
- Plan your route.
- Try to wait in busy or well-lit areas.
- Sit near other people, the driver
if you are on a bus, or near the conductor if you
are on a train.
- Move if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
Cars and Driving
- Keep your car in good condition and
ensure you have plenty of gas for the length of your
trip.
- Keep doors locked when driving and
keep bags, phones and other valuables out of sight,
preferably in the trunk.
- Try to park in well lit or busy areas,
and if you park during the day, think about what
the area will feel like after dark.
- If you break down along your trip,
stay with your car until help arrives.
- Do not give lifts to or accept lifts
with people you do not know.
- Do not drive if you have been drinking
or taking drugs, and do not take a lift from someone
who has.
- You may feel more comfortable carrying
a cell phone with you. Use hands-free devices while
driving.
- Lock the doors and close the windows
when you leave the car, even for a few minutes.
- Don't leave anything on display.
A coat or jacket can seem like an appealing target.
- Never store your car's documents
in the car.
- A steering lock can help secure older
vehicles.
- Think about having components the
windows etched with the car's vehicle identification
number (VIN), and make a note of its chassis number.
- Keep your car keys in a safe place,
even in your house, so that someone breaking in cannot
steal your car too.
Car-jacking
Car-jacking has become a high-profile
crime over recent years, mainly because media attention
has made people aware of it. You can help prevent being
a victim of car-jacking by following a few simple guidelines:
- Always keep your doors locked and
the windows up, especially at traffic lights.
- Be aware of what people are doing
around you.
- Opt for using the middle lane, if
there is one, when waiting at intersections or lights,
so that your car is harder to get to from the pavement.
- Do not stop to help someone who has
broken down (if you really want to help, pull over
at the next garage or police station, and call for
help).
- Drive to the next garage or police
station and report incidents such as someone trying
to pull you over for no reason.
Keep in mind that car-jackers may “accidentally” bump
into your car, aiming to get you out of the car so
that they can steal it. If this happens, you may choose
not to get out of the car, especially if you do not
think it is a genuine accident. Stay with your car
and wind down the window a bit to talk to them if you
feel comfortable doing so. Call for help with your
cell phone wait for the police to arrive on the scene.
Taxis
- If you are going to be out late,
try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check
that the taxi that arrives is the one you ordered.
- If you can pre-book your taxi, make
a note of the company you are using and the phone
number, and leave it with a friend.
- Always keep the number of a reliable
firm handy
- Always sit behind the driver in the
back seat.
- If you feel uneasy, ask to be let
out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of
people.
- If in any doubt, don't get in the
taxi.
Bicycles
- Get a good bike lock. If you are
unsure which is best ask for a recommendation at
a bike shop.
- Lock your bike to something secure – a
bike rack or lamppost.
- Lock up removable parts (for example,
wheels) or take them with you (for example, light
fittings).
- Think about having your bike security-marked
or engraved.
Motorbikes
- Always lock your bike, and set its
alarm if it has one.
- When leaving your bike for some time,
try to lock it to something secure. At home, you
can fit special attachments for securing your vehicle.
- Use a motorbike cover.
- Have the vehicle marked with its
vehicle identification number (VIN).
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