Personal security tips

(1) Don’t allow people to get too close to you when you’re in a public place. If someone unknown tries to proceed too close to you or approach you, move away from the place.

(2) When you exiting a shop or supermarket especially at night, try to look outside to check whether there is anyone suspicious waiting for you. Be extra alert at the surrounding and call someone to accompany you if you find someone suspicious.

(3) It is advisable for you to go to withdraw your money at ATM during daytime where there are a lot of people around. Do not go to withdraw money at ATM during night time especially in places you’re unfamiliar.

(4) Try to find a companion when you go to shopping. Make sure you do not load both of your hands with packages of shopping materials because you will have difficulty to counter attack or react to sudden attack from stranger who tries to harm you.

(5) When you’re walking along the roadside with your handbag, make sure you carry the bag on the side of your shoulder opposite the roadside. There might be snatch thief eyeing on your handbag and try to snatch it by passing by on a motorcycle or car.

(6) If you’re travelling outstation or on vacation, make sure you inform someone close to you or if this cannot be done, make sure you write a short notice on a paper and put it in visible place inside your house to help establish a track record of travel to assist authorities to investigate your possible whereabouts if anything happen to you. Also, do not let stranger know you’re travelling to avoid unnecessary danger.

(7) Always have your keys out and ready before leaving a building or approaching your car as well as your residence. Trying to locate your keys after you reach your car or home provides criminals an excellent opportunity to sneak up on you. Have your car door lock key and ignition key out and accessible. Also be aware that criminals may hide inside your vehicle or underneath your car and attempt to attack you. Keep your windows locked and rolled up as well.

(8) Never give a parking attendant or mechanic or similar all of your keys. Only provide them with the ignition key and know the names of the people. You may want to keep a written log book to assist you for future reference of whom handled your keys and the dates.

(9) Look behind you when you are walking alone from time to time. If you find someone or a car following you from behind for some time, quickly turn to some populated place and stop to reevaluate the situation. Call the police for help if necessary. You’re advise to always walk in a well-lit area and walk assertively.

(10) Lock your car’s door immediately after you get into your car before you start your car’s engine.

(11) Always keep a pen and notepad in your car to write down suspicious car number and report to police for help if necessary.

(12) Make sure you bring along a battery charger and your handphone are fully charged when you go outside just in case you need to call for help.

(13) Always maintain your vehicle regularly, ie: tune-up, oil change, etc. Filling up your vehicle with gas during day light hours in a familiar area is best so that you aren't forced to drive in an unfamiliar area possible at night which is dangerous.

(14) Do not leave your car running while you are in a store. Do not leave your keys in your ignition with or without your car running because they are susceptible to being stolen.
Never pick up hitchhikers. It is never safe to have a stranger in the car with you. When you see a hitchhiker do not pick them up. Even if they seem to be an innocent lady or girl, they may be accompanied by a bad guy hiding in the area waiting for your arrival.