Campaign highlights safety measures

Monday, 16 January 2012 10:19

WHEN you ask people what they do when they are away from home and how they keep safe, many say they do not do much.

Serdang OCPD Supt Abd Razak Elias said keeping the home safe while on vacation was crucial.

“During the Chinese New Year season, most neighbourhoods will see people going on vacation. But they must be careful about who knows this information. Never leave notes outside and try not to cancel home deliveries, like newspaper, as such information goes around.

“It is best to leave lights on using a timer and get neighbours to collect your newspapers and letters. You should also turn your phone ringer off or put in on a lower-mode setting as a loud ringing phone that goes unanswered might tip off burglars lurking about,” he said at the Heart to Heart campaign in Puchong to keep neighbourhoods safe during the festive season.

“Apart from informing the district police office and asking for frequent patrols to check on the house, there are some other things that can be implemented and that do not take that much time.

“When away, draw the curtains and leave the light on in a room or two. A burglar will be uncertain if the house is unoccupied and this make things a bit difficult and the burglar just may move on,” Supt Razak said.

“Hiding a key outside your home under the flowerpot is just not as safe as it used to be. Don’t think you are being clever using this hiding place. They know all the places and will find it,” he said.

Supt Razak said safety starts with each individual and urged residents going away to visit the nearest police stations, provide the dates they will be away and contact number as well as request for patrols to be conducted in the neighbourhoods.

More than 100 residents living around Puchong and Serdang signed up with the Serdang police requesting for extra patrols around their neighbourhood while they are away for the festive season.

From The Star