Be alert when driving home

Another prominent person was subsequently arrested on suspicion of stealing it.
The incident was publicised because of the well-known people involved. However, it is not unusual to see people leaving their cellphones on the table in a restaurant or other public places while they go to buy food or to the toilet. A good number of them find it gone when they return.
Never leave anything of value lying around. If you have to leave the table, take your cellphone, handbag and any other valuable with you, unless you have specifically left it in the care of someone you know. Do not leave your handbag with anyone if there is money inside.
Never presume that because a person is known to you or holds a respected position in society that he or she is beyond suspicion and would never steal from you.
As mentioned in the first of these columns, being security conscious at all times is the most important security tip you could have.
This applies when you are driving as well. There have been incidents of cars following people to the gates of their homes and then robbing them of their cars.
When driving home, make sure that no other car is following you. If you turn off from a main road and the car behind you does the same, be alert and try to satisfy yourself that you are not being followed.
If you think the car may be following you, try to confirm whether or not this is the case by turning into another road and seeing whether the car is still behind you.
If the car is still following you when you turn into your own road, particularly if you live in a quiet place, continue past your house without stopping or looking at it.
Make some more turns. If the car still seems to be following you, then drive to a public place such as a shopping centre or to a police station and park your car there.
If, when you arrive home and you have to leave the car to open the gate, make sure there is nobody nearby before leaving the car.
Switch off the engine and remove the ignition keys before you get out, unless you have made sure there is nobody in sight who could reach the car before you have finished opening the gate.
Having an automatic gate that can be opened with a remote increases one’s security.
Even then, however, try to be sure there is no car behind you or people about who could pounce on you while you are waiting for the gate to open.
When you drive in, make sure there is nobody inside the gate. Some people have found robbers waiting for them once inside the gate. Stop just inside the gate and wait until it is fully closed before driving off.