Developing sense of security helps protect your property

There are many precautions that can be taken. Some require expenditure, such as installing burglar bars or alarms. Others only require a security consciousness, alertness and a bit of effort.
Safeguard Security will from this week onwards be publishing this Security Tips column in The Financial Gazette as a public service.
The column will look at a variety of security risks and suggest ways in which you can guard against them.
Security consciousness is the first essential that needs to be acquired. Don’t be too trusting. Be aware that there are people who may be after what you have or be tempted to take what is not theirs. They may be complete strangers or people you know.
Don’t, therefore, leave money lying around, even if it is a small amount. Don’t let others know where you keep your money or valuables.
Make sure your handbag is secure. When you go out keep it close to you all the time. Try to ensure that nobody can attempt to take it without you noticing. Make sure, when you are walking in the street, that your grasp on it is such that nobody can snatch it from you.
The same applies to other bags. Don’t leave your briefcase or suitcase on its own or  out of your sight.
Keep them close to you all the time, unless you are leaving them with someone you are sure you can trust, such as a hotel porter. Even then try to keep an eye on them.
Don’t carry your wallet in your back trouser pocket. Numerous men have lost their wallets simply through failing to realise how easily a wallet can be lifted out of that back pocket without them noticing it.
Don’t leave your handbag, cellphone or any other valuable where it can be seen in your car, even when you are in the car. Instances of thieves putting their hand through an open window, opening a car door when the car is at traffic lights or even smashing a window in order to grab a handbag or cellphone are common.
Keeping valuables out of sight should be the first rule for any security conscious person, whether you are in a car, at home or in a restaurant or other public place.
Next week we will look at some of the measures you can take to keep your home and your possessions inside it secure.
– This column is sponsored by Safeguard Security in the public interest. If you have  security issues you would like advice on in this column, please e-mail your request to mail@mhpr.co.zw or telephone Jackie at Safeguard Security, Tel.: 751395-9.