Safety Tips

ARE YOU LEAVING A WELCOME MAT OUT FOR CRIMINALS?

Even the most vigilant home and business owners can overlook simple entry points that invite intruders. An unlocked side gate, an open bathroom window or overgrown hedges can all serve as cover for opportunistic visitors. It takes an expert eye and experience to spot every blind spot

WARNING – VEHICLE BREAK-INS & SMASH & GRAB ON HIGH ALERT!
We are receiving reports of Smash & Grab incidents.
Please be security fit and alert! Don’t leave valuables in full sight in your vehicles.

Safety Awareness when Parking/Driving your Vehicle:
• Avoid parking your vehicle where there are no security officers guarding vehicles.
• Do not leave your firearm in your vehicle’s glove compartment (cubbyhole) or anywhere in the vehicle (this is against the law!).
• Valuable items like laptops, camera, electronic devices, shopping bags, handbags, etc. should be locked in your vehicle’s boot.
• Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tire, the intention can be to steal items that they see inside your vehicle or even hijack your vehicle.
• Always close your windows when driving, especially in the city centre.
• Ladies please do not drive with your handbag on the front passenger seat!
• Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road or at robots.
• Keep the doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
• Lock your valuables in the cars boot before departure.
• At night, park in well-lit areas.

PUBLIC PARKING SAFETY – How Safe Are You?
Most crimes happen in seconds — while you're distracted, loading groceries, or checking your phone.
Stay alert with these 3 quick safety tips:
* Lock your doors before stepping out.
* Hide valuables — don’t leave anything in plain sight.
* Stay aware of your surroundings — trust your instincts if something feels off.
Be Security Fit. Stay Safe.
In case of emergency, contact us:
* Nelspruit: (013) 752 4470
* White River & Hazyview: (013) 751 3165
* Barberton: (013) 712 5773
* Onderberg (Malelane): (013) 790 0334
* Highlands (Belfast & Dullstroom): (013) 752 4470
#HiTechSecurity #StaySafeLowveld #WeFightCrime #StayAlert
#ParkingLotSafety #SecurityTips #CommunityAwareness #BeSecurityFit

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Herewith a good guide on what to look out for should you be in the unfortunate situation of becoming a victim of crime.

Contact us for emergencies at:
Nelspruit - Tel : (013) 752 4470
White River & Hazyview - Tel : (013) 751 3165
Barberton - Tel : (013) 712 5773
Onderberg (Malelane) - Tel : (013) 790 0334
Highlands (Belfast & Dullstroom) – Tel : (013) 752 4470

SUSPECT IDENTIFICATION

Do you know about the signs/symptoms of possible use? Do you know why your child will be using it even though you are a competent parent? SANCA Lowveld can assist you with support and guidance if you do not know how to address this delicate topic with your child.
Thank you Sanca Lowveld (South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) for the following tips:
• Calmly sit down with your child and discuss your concerns (involve a supportive family member)
• No shouting
• Reassure child of your love and support
• Give clear messages that the use of drugs and alcohol is forbidden
• Set a good example for your child by not abusing alcohol
• Get to know your child’s friends and their parents
• Show a genuine interest in what they are doing
• Have rules and set clear boundaries
• Stay up until they return home

For more tips contact SANCA Lowveld for assistance at :
8 Hope Street, Nelspruit
Tel : 082 451 3226
Email : gm@sancalowveld.co.za

DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE - TIPS FOR PARENTS
BECOME AN INFORMED PARENT!

DAGGA – IS NOT AS HARMLESS AS YOU THINK
Think Twice Before Lighting Up!

CANNABIS AFFECTS THE DEVELOPING BRAIN
• The human brain develops until the age of 25.
• Regular dagga use affects memory, learning, and motivation.
• It increases the risk of developing mental health issues, especially in teenagers – including anxiety, depression, and psychosis.

YES, YOU CAN GET ADDICTED
• Many patients at SANCA struggle to stop using dagga.
• Symptoms of cannabis dependence include:
Irritability, cravings, sleep problems
Lack of appetite, anxiety, and mood swings
• Daily use can lead to Cannabis Use Disorder and long-term harm.

RED EYES ≠ HARMLESS FUN
• Red eyes are a visible sign of cannabis intoxication.
• Other effects: dry mouth, slow reaction time, poor coordination.
• It is NOT safe to drive under the influence – it impairs your ability to think clearly and react quickly.

“IT'S JUST A HERB” IS A DANGEROUS MYTH
• Dagga today is much stronger than in the past – with higher THC levels.
• It may temporarily relieve pain or stress, but long-term use comes with serious risks.
• “Natural” does not mean “safe” for everyone – especially for children and people with mental health vulnerabilities.

(Information supplied by Sanca Lowveld)

For help and emergencies, contact:
HI-TECH SECURITY
Tel : (013) 752 4470
SANCA LOWVELD
Tel : 082 451 3226

Please arm you alarm systems during day and night and keep windows closed, criminals operate all hours of the day. If you don’t have an alarm (early warning system), please install one!

1. Please ensure your alarm system is in good working order, if not, please report it.
2. If you do not have an alarm system, contact us to install one.
3. Make sure you activate your alarm when leaving your house.
4. Close all windows, even if you are leaving your house to go to work or going shopping – criminals are carrying sticks with hooks and using the fishing method to hook valuables through open windows.
5. Be aware of what is going on around you, know and talk to your neighbours regularly.
6. Educate and brief your working staff and children in case of an emergency and how to implement emergency procedures and who to contact.

REMEMBER TO ACTIVATE YOUR ALARM SYSTEM!

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS!
While some families prefer living in guarded estates, complexes and gated communities, other people prefer to live in free-standing houses and have their own space. Wherever you are staying, it is in your best interest and your own safety to start befriending your neighbours.
Experience shows us the tighter knitted a community is – the harder it is for criminals to breach the suburb. Suburbs with neighbours that are aware, homes that are locked up and effectively secured and streets that are well maintained have shown less criminal activity. This is a universal system whereby being united shows criminals the community does not turn “a blind eye” and each resident has the next persons “back”.

Overall with extra observation and awareness being actioned as a community, will add to prevent crime:
1. Exchange numbers with your neighbours
2. Have a neighbourhood braai
3. Get to know your neighbours’ dogs – their names and features are great tools in recognising if they have gone missing
4. Learn who your neighbours’ children are, including names.

WARNING – Laptop theft is on high alert, criminals want your Laptop!

Laptops, tablets, cellphones, and other personal electronics have become a target of choice for thieves. Why? Because they are small, valuable, can be removed quickly, are easily hidden and there is a market for them!

How Can You Reduce the Risk of Having Your Electronic Devices Stolen?

Many times, often after the fact, we think about what we could have done to prevent valuables from being stolen. Here are a few tips to help you protect your personal electronics and laptop, whether you’re at home, or on the road:
· Don’t leave your devices in your vehicle, even if the vehicle is in your driveway or garage, and NEVER leave it in plain sight, even if the vehicle is locked — that’s just inviting trouble. If you must leave your devices in a vehicle, the best place is in the boot. If you don’t have a boot, try to conceal them or fit them under a seat and lock the doors.
· Carry your devices in a nondescript carrying case, briefcase, or bag when moving about. Placing these items in a case designed for computers is an immediate alert to thieves that you have these valuable devices.
· Lock your device in a safe place when not in use.
· When using your laptop at home, make sure you do not leave it close to a window. Thieves will go to great lengths to get your laptop with force or break windows open.
· Apply distinctive paint markings to make your laptop unique and easily identifiable.

Please do not handle any snakes, rather call our qualified snake handlers to relocate snakes.

Snake removal services are FREE to all Hi-Tech Security clients!

VENOM IN PETS EYES – KNOW WHAT TO DO?

Here are some important steps to follow when your pet has been spat in the eyes:

1. Rinse the eyes out with only water for at least 10 minutes.

2. If it is a smallish dog, swaddle it with a towel. Pin him down and use the garden hose on a gentle water flow.

3. If your vet is open, take him to the vet for some ointment and pain meds.

4. Stay calm! It's only dangerous and will possibly affect your dog's eyesight if the venom is left in for a long period of time.

5. Ask your Vet for meds to treat at home if you have frequent visitors. Remember to keep the meds in the fridge.

Credit : Chris Hobkirk – Lowveld Venom Suppliers

SNAKES ARE STILL VERY ACTIVE IN THE LOWVELD THIS TIME OF YEAR!