Keep safe this holiday season

A vacation is a time to let your hair down, explore the world, and enjoy life’s best moments. However, with crime and other threats ever-present, you can’t afford to let your guard down. Stay safe while having fun by keeping a few precautions in mind:

• Lock it up – Keep your home, holiday residence and vehicle safe by making sure all doors and windows are closed and locked before leaving. To reduce risk to your home while you are away, make sure the electric fence is working properly, test and set the alarm, and put away any tools which could be used to gain access to your home. Don’t leave a spare key hidden in a place outside of your home. Rather leave it with a trustworthy neighbour, family member or friend. Also, ask that person to remove post, turn lights on and off, and open and close curtains to make it look like somebody is at home. Keep valuables out of sight in your home, holiday residence and vehicle. Before walking away from your vehicle double check that it is actually locked, and the alarm is activated.

• Drive safe – If you’re travelling by road ensure the vehicle you will be travelling in is road worthy, has sufficient fuel and is equipped with an emergency kit. Test your tracking device to make sure it’s working, including the assist button if your vehicle has one. Make sure that you have the correct directions to your destination before you leave, to avoid getting lost, but also to plan your journey in advance, allowing for ample travel time including sufficient rest stops. Before you begin your journey make sure you get enough sleep. Take healthy snacks along for the trip and stay hydrated. Drive defensively, anticipating potential hazards, being alert to the actions of other road users, and adjusting your driving to minimise risks. Be wary of stopping on the side of the road, even in designated stopping zones such as roadside picnic areas. Rather stop at service stations to recharge.

• Safe travels – If you’re travelling abroad, prepare for the journey. Learn as much as you can about the country, familiarise yourself with the travel options and schedules, be aware of safety risks and health hazards. Pack appropriately including suitable clothing, toiletries, medication and personal care products like sunblock, insect repellent and lip balm. Have a budget and stick to it, but also have emergency funds available. Make sure that you are taking the correct transport, for instance checking the registration of the vehicle and identification of the driver when ride-hailing. Don’t tell strangers where you stay or will be staying.

• Level-headed – The purpose of a vacation is to relax and unwind. If that means that you will be drinking alcohol, ensure that you have a designated driver or hail a ride. Also don’t become so relaxed and comfortable or overfamiliar that you become careless about security. Remain safety conscious. Lock up, keep valuables out of sight and avoid secluded areas.

• Limit social share – Be careful what you share on social media. Rather wait until after your trip to post about it, even if you have the highest level of security on your social accounts. This is prime information for criminals to either target your home or you. Also, don’t speak to strangers about your travel plans, for example the people sitting next to you on the plane. You can never be sure about their intentions.

• Be aware – Remain vigilant wherever you are. Don’t carry too much cash or valuables on your person and keep these items out of sight. Leave unnecessary bank or store cards at home. Be sure you know the rules and safety precautions for whatever activities you do. Familiarise yourself with emergency procedures. Where possible, avoid being alone.

“This holiday, enjoy the time with friends and family while being mindful to stay safe,” says Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker. “Live in the moment but be wary as threats to your wellbeing can happen anywhere and at any time. Remain vigilant.”