Page 6 - FWG Issue 2 March 2024

Security

CELL PHONE SAFETY ALERT

t is hard to imagine life without cell phones. Being connected 24-hours
a day has become the norm, and many people cannot leave home or
participate in an activity without their phone in hand. Unfortunately,
Icell phones have become sought after by criminals. The devices are
small, easily transported, and there is an insatiable market for stolen
phones. Even more concerning is the level of violence associated with
some phone thefts.
People using public transport and pedestrians Have you ticked your security
visiting the local shopping mall must be vigilant boxes? Security Officer
and keep their cell phones out of sight at all Creating the habit of regularly testing your
times. Criminals target these individuals. of the Month
safety and security systems:
n Test your alarm system and electric fence once
24/7 Security Services urges everybody to be a month.
cautious when using their phones in public n Test fixed and mobile panic buttons once a
spaces: month.
• Do not leave your phone on the restaurant table n If you have a sensor-operated alarm, go from
while dining out – put it in your pocket or bag. room to room once a month and ensure that
Ensure that your bag is safe and not hanging on movement registers throughout your house.
the back of the chair.
• When queueing at a shop or ATM, keep your Walk around each room to check that the red
light is visible on the sensor.
phone out of sight. It has become a habit to text n Regularly check the batteries in your alarm
or update social media while waiting, but this
puts you at risk. system, wireless beams and CCTV. Batteries
• While refuelling at a filling station, do not sit have a limited life span and need to be replaced
in your car engaged on your phone with the every few years.
window open. n Check that your cameras are positioned
• Do not text while sitting in traffic – you are a soft correctly and clean the lenses to ensure good,
target for criminals moving between vehicles. clear footage.
• Be alert when making calls in public places, Our officer of the month is Controller,
while walking on pavements or crossing the Remember to check your security system: Phathutshedzo Maimela. She
street. n After any scheduled maintenance workers visit
• When using your phone to book transport, your home. No matter what they’re working assisted a resident in January who
had to urgently get to the Fourways
do not stand on a public pavement. Make the on, it’s best practice to ensure they haven’t Life Hospital for an operation.
booking while indoors, and then also be aware interfered with your security accidentally.
of your surroundings. n After you’ve had a house sitter, babysitter or The resident became frustrated
pet sitter in your home. They may have made when the Uber driver did not arrive.
changes to your system, such as disabling Controller Phathu noticed that she
Cyber security tips alarms for their own easy access. needed assistance and managed to
• Set the ‘Lock Code’ on your phone with a timer n After any significant changes are made to calm her down and organised an
to lock the screen. While unlocking your phone your internet connectivity or provider. If Uber on her behalf.
after a short period of no use may seem painful your security system uses the Internet, those We thank Phathu for her integrity
initially, it does become second nature and is a changes could affect the responsiveness of and professional handling of the
great first line of defence. your system. incidents with residents in and
• Manually log out of your internet banking and n When renovations are completed, whether it’s around the estate.
social media sites, and do not allow these sites inside or outside – you may have accidentally
to auto-store your passwords. altered something, like camera angles.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Please report all security-related matters immediately, without delay.

A delay in reporting = a delay in resolution.

On-site Control Contact details:
011 465 5466 or 066 261 7671

Fourways Gardens • 4 • March 2024