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 PROTECTIONFix 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 MEASURESLock 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 HOMESKeep 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 PLACESBe 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 ROBBEDRemain 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 OCCURSnatch thieves usually operate in the dark and deserted roads or lanes
Snatch thieves normally use vehicles e.g. cars or motorcycles
HOW THEY NORMALLY OCCURWearing 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 THIEVESAlways 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