CRIME PREVENTION GUIDE

This information is taken from the Brochure issued by Cawangan Hal Ehwal Awam Jabatan Pengurusan Polis and we acknowedge with thanks for the use of this information on this website.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PHYSICAL PROTECTION

Fix a door viewer, latch chain and surface latches on the main door

Main doors should be of solid construction and fitted with a good quality mortise lock with dead bolting feature, i.e. a key is needed to lock and unlock the door

Install iron grilles with good quality key operated locks for windows

Lock up any ladders, tools and equipment to prevent intruders from using them to enter your house

Trim overgrown tree branches, bushes and shrubs along the perimeter fencing regularly to prevent intruders from using them to enter or hide in your compound

Install lamps with sensors to illuminate your compound and detect intruders

SECURITY MEASURES

Lock all doors and windows when leaving home attended, even for a short while

Do not hide keys under the doormat, in flowerpots or on top of the electricity meter box outside the house

Do not leave notes outside your house announcing your absence from home

Change all locks when your house keys are lost or stolen

Cancel all deliveries (e.g. newspaper) when you are away from home for a few days

Leave the radio or light on at night to give an "at home" appearance

Keep large sums of cash in banks and expensive jewellery in a safe deposit box

Ask your immediate neighbours to keep an eye on your house while you are away

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ROBBERY IN HOMES

Keep the grilles, gates or wooden doors locked at all times

Never open the door to strangers

Identify visitors through the door viewer and keep the chain latch of the door fastened when talking to visitors

Inform your family members in advance if you are sending someone unknown to your house

ROBBERY IN PUBLIC PLACES

Be wary of strangers following you or loitering at the lift landing

Avoid taking the lift with any suspicious stranger. Arrange for someone to escort you when returning home late

When inside the lift, always stay close to the lift control panel. This would enable you to control the lift in case a stranger rushes in just as the door is closing

Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or carrying large sums of cash

Plan your route and avoid dark and deserted areas. Use crowded and well lit areas

Beware of suspicious persons loitering at lift areas, stairways, along corridors and isolated public areas

Carry a shrill alarm with you and use it to deter the culprit or to attract the attention of passers-by

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU ARE ROBBED

Remain calm, do not resist if the culprit is armed

Note the description of the culprit, e.g. his appearance, complexion, clothing, mannerism, movements and other physical details. This will help the police to identify the robber later

Take note of the culprit's direction and means of escape. If a vehicle is used, record the registration number, colour and make of the vehicle. Also note the direction where the vehicle was seen heading towards

Call the police at 999 or your nearest Neighbourhood Police Post / Neighbourhood Police Centre immediately

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WHERE THEY NORMALLY OCCUR

Snatch thieves usually operate in the dark and deserted roads or lanes

Snatch thieves normally use vehicles e.g. cars or motorcycles

HOW THEY NORMALLY OCCUR

Wearing expensive jewellery and displaying publicly

Carrying handbag in a way that is easy for snatchers to snatch

Rushing to board public transport e.g. bus or being in crowded places

Leaving bags with cash inside at the shopping complex entrance while shopping

Keeping your wallet in the back pocket which is unbuttoned

WAYS TO AVOID SNATCH THIEVES

Always bring minimum cash

Hide cash from public view to discourage snatchers

Always hold or put your handbag in between your armpit.
Never hang your handbag on your shoulder; this is to avoid injuries when dragged

Avoid walking alone at lonely places and near the lift landing

Never expose jewellery that you are wearing

While walking on the street, always go against the traffic flow so that you are able to see what is in front. Handbags must be placed between armpits or held with your right hand

Avoid wearing too much jewellery that can attract thieves

Avoid putting handbag in a place that can easily be snatched, e.g. counter, trolley, etc

Put a shrill alarm in your handbag