Practical Tips to Help you Stay Safe in a Time of Rising Contact Crime
13 Apr 2025
South Africa’s latest crime statistics remind us just how important it is to remain aware of our surroundings and take proactive steps to protect ourselves, our families, and our businesses. Contact crimes, ranging from robbery and assault to murder, are deeply personal and often unpredictable, but there are ways to reduce the risks and feel more in control.
While no safety tip is foolproof, being aware and prepared can go a long way. Here are some practical steps everyone can take:
•Stay Alert in Public Spaces: The majority of contact crimes happen in open areas like streets, parking lots, and parks. Avoid distractions like using your phone while walking, and take note of who’s around you.
•Don’t Share Your Routine: Criminals often target patterns. Switch up your travel routes and times when possible, especially if you walk or drive alone.
•Be Careful Around ATMs and Shopping Centres: These areas can be hotspots for robberies. Use ATMs inside well-guarded areas and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or flashing valuables.
•Make Your Home and Workplace Less Attractive to Criminals: Good lighting, trimmed hedges, secure fencing, alarm systems, and visible surveillance cameras all act as deterrents.
•Review Your Access Points Regularly: Many businesses fall into the trap of leaving gates, delivery zones, or back entrances unchecked. Make sure all access points are monitored, locked when not in use, and adequately lit. Regular audits can help identify weak spots before criminals do.
•Train Staff on Emergency Protocols: In the event of an armed robbery or intrusion, panic can make a bad situation worse. All employees should know what to do, where to go, and who to call. Regular security drills, even just verbal walkthroughs, can help ensure everyone reacts quickly and calmly when it matters.
However, while personal awareness is essential, sometimes it just isn’t enough. That’s where professional security support makes a real difference.
Our security division is built to respond to the very threats highlighted in the recent crime report. Whether you're protecting a business, or community, we have a range of services designed to give you peace of mind:
•Manned Guarding: Our flagship security service is the supply of well-trained, well-equipped Security Officers.
•Tactical Security: Our Tactical Security division provide clients with an elite rapid response capability where the need for special weapons and tactics arise.
•K9 Units: Offering Narcotics detection dogs and fully certified DH5 Handlers.
•Remote Monitoring: Watchmen Interactive Video Monitoring (IVM) is an advanced technology-based remote CCTV monitoring service.
•Intervention Unit: The Excellerate Intervention Unit comprises teams of operatives, trained to respond to crisis situations, including industrial action, riots, and civil unrest.
The statistics are more than just numbers, they represent real people, and real losses, but they also serve as a call to action. You don’t have to face these risks alone.
Contact us here for a risk assessment or to learn more about the right security solution for your needs.