New Year, Smarter Criminals.

On behalf of PHS COPS, we'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

Whilst most of the country was relaxing after a much needed break, criminals in South Africa worked through the holiday period and brushed up on their skills.

We're excited to update you on our Signboard Programme. PHS COPS has given out more than 680 boards (with SAPS and CPF approval), and we're finding it to be a massive crime deterrent. Contact us for one, they're FREE!

In this newsletter, we take a look at the types of crimes that took place during what should have been a stress free time, and also offer some tips on how to keep one of your most valued possessions safe - your cellphone.

Lastly, there's no better time to recheck your security than at the start of a new year. We've got some common places that require attention, further down.

We'd love your feedback on our Newsletter - what you enjoy, what you'd like to see. Let us know, any suggestions for it would be much appreciated!

Basic "New Year" checklist.

Are all your external doors properly fitted and equipped with appropriate secure locking systems?

Since moving into your home (where there may have been a previous occupier) have you had the locks changed?

Are all your windows secure?

Does your domestic worker know how to use your panic button?

Is there sufficient illumination around your home to allow visible inspection of any dark areas around it?

Have you ever walked around your house looking for ways a burglar might be able to get in?

Contractors on your premises? Ensure you have copies of their Identification.

Do you keep tools or ladders etc. in places inaccessible to potential burglars?

Do you have an intruder alarm system fitted and do you use it?

Do you know how to operate and use your alarm system functions?

Are your spare keys kept with a trusted neighbor and never left under an external mat, flower pot etc?

Do you have 0861 747 2677 memorised for times of Emergency?

Notafy

PHS COPS currently uses a mobile communication app called Notafy that we use to bring you all of our communication:

- Alarm activations
- Community Alerts
- And other information that will help keep you, your customers, and families safe.

Notafy aims to make life easier for you as our customer, Notafy is the ultimate mobile messaging app. Once you have the app installed you will be able to manage communication you receive from a multiple service providers who use the application.

The benefit to you as our customer is that you can now use 1 app to manage all mobile communication you receive.

The application is available on the following phones:

iPhone (iOS),
Android,
Blackberry.

For customers who don’t have an available smart phone, don’t worry, the Notafy system will still continue to deliver your messages via standard SMS.

Please contact us so that we can get you up and running with Notafy.

Monthly Crime Stats

Benoni

Wolverhampton Street,  Apex
Break-in 4/12/2015
14th Avenue, Northmead
Theft out of Motor vehicle 4/12/2015
Pretoria Road, Rynfield
Petrol Theft 13/12/2015
Rynfield
Attempted Break-in 15/12/2015
Brentwood Park
Positive Business break-in 15/12/2015
Northmead
Break-in 29/12/2015
Benoni CBD
Property damage 29/12/2015
Apex
Theft 30/12/2015
Rynfield
Armed Robbery 4/1/2016
Northmead
Armed Robbery 9/12/2015

Kempton Park

Platberg, Van Riebeeck Park
Armed Robbery 10/12/2015
Van Riebeeck Park
Attempted Break-in, Arrests Made 5/1/2016
Kempton Park
Attempted House Break-in & Property damage 7/1/2016

Springs

Armed Robbery 13/12/2015

Mobile Theft Tips

There are around 37 Million adults in South Africa, of which 32 Million own a cellphone. They're hot property for criminals, but some basic steps can be undertaken to secure them.

1) Take note of your IMEI number. This is your cellphones "network serial number" which can be used to blacklist your phone should it get stolen, or allow the service providers to track it.

2) Ensure your SIM Card has a pin number, to prevent massive bills being racked up by theives.

3) Keep your phone out of public view, be streetwise. Don't present an opportunity for it to be snatched.

4) Never leave your phone unattended in a vehicle.

5) Chat to your provider regarding activating advanced tracking on your phone. For iPhones, ask about "Find my iPhone", for Android Phones (such as Samsung Galaxy), look into "Android Device Manager". Both of these services are free, and will allow you to track (or remotely wipe) your smartphone.

0861 747 2677

phscops.co.za