Accurate and detailed descriptions of criminals can go a long way towards securing their arrest. That’s according to a local private security company, which this week announ-ced that it’s running a series of free refresher workshops for community and neighbourhood watches.
ADT Security district danager Verena Hulme said there are several important things to remember if you fall victim to crime.
* Don’t make direct eye contact with the perpetrator.
* Make mental notes of what the person was wearing, and be as precise as possible.
This includes logos, colours, and any other distinguishing mark.
* Was there anything striking about the way the person spoke? Did he/she speak with a lisp, or with an accent?
* Do you recall any distinguishing facial features, tattoos or scars?
* If there was a getaway vehicle involved, what make/ model/ colour was it? Did you see the number plates or any other distinguishing features such as mag-wheels or scratch marks?
ADT Security runs workshops and training sessions for community watches, domestic workers and community interest groups.
“Becoming a victim of crime is understandably a scary and traumatic experience, and one’s first instinct is not always to be calm and observant.
“We believe however that with some coaching this can be changed,” said Ms Hulme.
Being observant of your surroundings, she said, is the key. “If you are attentive to any possible risks, there is the likelihood of avoiding them. Equally, if you are able to provide police or your security company with as much detail as possible of the perpetrator it will help law enforcement agencies in identifying the suspect.”
