Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

On behalf of everyone here in Hanter Maju (M) Sdn Bhd, I would like to take this
opportunities to wish you and family “Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir Batin”.
If you traveling home, “Selamat Balik Kampung and have Safe Journey”.

Wireless Home Alarm Promotion (Jul - Sep '09)

Prevent Break-in - Protect your Home

Most break-ins are not planned and are simply just ‘crimes of opportunity’. With this being said the question you need to ask is, how much of an opportunity are you giving unknowingly? Is your home considered an ‘easy target’? and do you do enough to protect your home and family from burglary?

On an average a burglar will only spend for to five minutes trying to break into a house and occur more during the day than at night. There are a few ways to increase your home security without it costing you a small fortune and requiring no more than a little common sense and little imagination. Here are a few tips that may just help you avoid being broken into.

A burglar will ring the door bell to see if you are home and when no answer – they have the cue.

Although 40% of break-ins occur by the burglar entering through an open door or window, another way is through the roof and man-hole (person-hole for the politically correct). Secure the manhole with a sliding bolt. I know there are other drastic ways to get around this, however, this is about making their life and job harder.

Don’t settle with sensor lights on the front porch alone. These are great but are normally placed in areas that do not help overly much. When placed too close the house it also makes it hard to for the person inside to see. Place sensor lights along side the house so that it lights up even the areas you don’t think about and so that the light sprays evenly across the drive way. This will help with your visibility as well.

If you own sliding doors you know how easy they are to break into. Place a screw into the track to prevent someone lifting the door out.

Drill a small hole through the frame at different intervals so that you can place a small metal rod, much like a key, in it. This will able to you keep the window or door open a little bit and keep it secure at the same time.

Another simple suggestion is placing dowel, a rod or broomstick handle firmly against the track to prevent the door from being open

Make sure there is adequate lighting for the yard

Planting thorny rose bushes by windows is a great and natural deterrent for burglars.

Gravel, loose stones or rocks is another natural alarm. (I recently had my front yard landscaped and can attest to this)

Keep trees and hedges neat and trimmed back. I know these can look great but they also serve as hiding spots and offer coverage for breaking in un-noticed.

Don’t leave your tools laying around the yard as these can be used to break into your house.
When you go away ask a neighbour to park their car in your driveway so there is still some activity. Also have someone open curtains and blinds during the day as well as collect any mail.

You may leave your house keys and alarm PIN number or remote control with a relative living nearby or a neighbour, so that they could check for you in the event of triggered alarm or false alarm. It is advisable to reset your alarm system with a temporary PIN number before giving it to them.

Don’t think for one moment that just because you have been broken into that it won’t happen again. Some times they strike twice because they know what you have, what you will replace and also because they know how to get in.

Tips for Office Safety

Accidents in the workplace are a fairly common occurrence, resulting in mutilation, death, and lifestyle-altering accidents. For the most part, these accidents stem from falls, however, other causes factor in. Great consideration is given to ergonomics, arranging the environment, or adapting the job to fit the worker. Ergonomics help to eliminate many potential injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of muscles, bad posture and repetitive motion.

Falls:
Always use a ladder or step stool to retrieve anything above shoulder level.
Ladders, or step stools, should be sturdy and not have any broken rungs or legs.
Do not lean too far back in chairs. This may result in over-balancing and a fall.
Never use ladder substitutes such as chairs or boxes.
Be sure the pathway is clear before you walk.
Secure electrical cords and wires away from walkways.
Avoid excessive bending, twisting, and leaning backward while seated.

Filing Cabinets/Bookcases:
Fill the second drawer from the bottom in a four-drawer filing cabinet before any of the others, to weight the bottom and to prevent it from tilting over.
Return drawers and doors to the closed position after use to prevent bumping and tripping. Never open more than one drawer or door at a time.
Place file cabinets where their use will not interfere with traffic patterns.
Secure cabinets or bookcases taller than 64 inches to the wall to prevent toppling over.

Electrical Equipment:
Frayed electrical cords, loose or broken electrical wires, broken outlet covers and receptacles, and worn or broken electrical plugs are dangerous and should be repaired or replaced before being used again.
Moisture and electricity do not mix. Placing liquids on or around electrical equipment (such as computers, radios, copiers, printers or microwaves) increases the risk of electrocution if the liquid spills and gets into the electrical equipment. This includes wet or sweaty hands.
Do not block electrical panel doors. If an electrical malfunction should occur, the panel door and anything else in front of the door will become very hot.
Electrical panel doors should always be kept closed, to prevent "electrical flashover" in the event of an electrical malfunction.

Fire Safety:
Every office should post accepted evacuation routes in conspicuous places and have at least one practice office evacuation drill per year.
A pre-determined emergency meeting place should be established so that an office head count can be taken after the office is evacuated. This will determine who may or may not still be in the building for the emergency response personnel.
In planning an office, an escape route should be designed to ensure that employees would be able to make a fast exit in the event of a fire or other emergency. These routes must be completely free from obstruction.
Office doors should always be free of obstructions, to permit egress in case of an emergency.
All new office employees should be trained in the accepted evacuation practices for the office.
Everyone should be aware that there are a surprising number of flammable materials used in offices. These products include white-out, glue, cleaning solvents, and even fingernail polish.
Remember that you should not smoke when using these materials. The air around you could be full of flammable vapors, which, if they come into contact with the high temperature of the cigarette end, could ignite and explode.
Wastepaper baskets are another fire danger; all too often lit cigarettes or burning matches are thrown into them.
Fire equipment, extinguishers, fire door exits, and sprinkler heads should remain unobstructed. Materials should be at least 18 inches minimum away from sprinkler heads.

Lifting:
Take a balanced stance feet placed shoulder-width apart. When lifting something from the floor, squat close to the load.
Keep your back in its neutral or straight position. Tuck in your chin so your head and neck continue the straight back line.
Grip the object with your whole hand, rather than only with your fingers. Draw the object close to you, holding your elbows close to your body to keep the load and your body weight centered.
Lift by straightening your legs. Let your leg muscles, not your back muscles do the work. Tighten your stomach muscles to support your back. Maintain your neutral back position as you lift.
Never twist when lifting. When you must turn with a load, turn your whole body, feet first.
Never carry a load that blocks your vision.
To set something down, use the same body mechanics designed for lifting.

Paper Cutters:
Paper cutters are just small guillotines- very hazardous pieces of equipment.
These pieces of equipment should be adequately guarded at all times.
Always store paper cutters with the blade fully drawn down and fastened securely.

First Aid:
Each office within a building should have it's own first aid kit.
A seemingly minor cut can easily turn septic and lead to blood poisoning if a Band-Aid was not applied at the time of injury to keep out germs.

Some More Safe Practices:
Guard the sharp edges of furniture to prevent personal injury. Keep desk "pull-out" writing surfaces closed when not in use.
Practice good housekeeping skills. Floors should be free of obstacles and garbage cans should be kept out of the way and emptied frequently.
Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping accidents.
Report all defects such as loose tiles, broken steps, railing and doors immediately.
Do not participate in horseplay.
Office equipment such as typewriters, index files, lights or calculators should not be placed on the edges of a desk, filing cabinet, or table.
Keep razor blades, tacks and other sharp objects in closed containers.
Use the proper tool for the job at hand.
Jewelry, long hair, ties and other clothing should be kept clear of the moving part of all office machines.
Do not cover air vents or obstruct airflow from registers. Do not place furniture, equipment, or materials in locations that will interfere with air movement around thermostats.
Report any observed pest control problems. Never attempt to apply any pest control chemical yourself.

FRAUD TACTICS

Hi Friends, this is worth your time reading, so real....!!

A few days ago, one of my friends received a sms with the message: You've strike 1st prize with a prize money of RMB 200,000 cash. The sms came with a contact no. My friend ignored it since he had heard of too many bogus scams using similar tactics.

After a short while his handphone rang, a Miss Fang asked: "Sir have you received a sms telling you that you've strike 1st prize?"

My friend answered: "Yes, I have"

Miss Fang: "Please let us have your bank account number so that we can deposit the money into your account."

My friend thought, why not, let's see what you can do. My friend has a buddy who works in that bank. Hence, he gaveher his accound number.

Ten minutes later, my friend's handphone started ringing again.

Miss Fang said: "Sir, we have deposited your prize money into your account, please check and verify."My friend checked using his handphone and found that RMB 200,000 was really deposited into his account. He waseuphoric, just like that and he's RMB 200,000 richer!

30 minutes later, Miss Fang called again. She was crying: "I'm sorry sir, I made a mistake, I forgot to deduct the tax before I deposited the prize money, 20% of RMB 200,000 equals to RMB40,000. Now the company wants me to reimburse the money.

Can you please return the RMB 40,000 tax? I beg you."

My friend thought for a while and felt pity for the lady. Thinking of the money in his bank account, he went to the bank.

Suddenly he thought of his buddy working in that bank and decided to ask his buddy to double check and confirm for him first.

Upon checking, his buddy found out that the money was deposited using a cheque of a different bank.

Even though the cheque was deposited but the actual amount of moneycan't be transfered into his account on the same day. If the other party decided to cancel the cheque, then he'll not get this RMB 200,000.

My friend was shocked. He almost lost RMB 40,000.

Before my friend left for home on that day, the cheque was actually cancelled. If not for his buddy, if not for him being a professional. or if he was scare of letting others know of striking the prize then this bogus scam would be successful. This is a true story, please beware.

Future scams could be even better planned.

P/S: If you feel that the tips are useful, please forward it to your relatives, friends & colleague.

What to do when you're abducted

Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...

This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, everyone you know. After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:
The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you....chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse. RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (Doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.) DON'T DO THIS! The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE. If someone is in the car with a gun to your head, DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat: DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead start the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes get out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:
a. Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat
b. If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door. Some serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.
c. Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest you car, you may want to walk back and get someone
guard/policeman to walk you back out.
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone
and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN! The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, preferably in a zig -zag pattern!

8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP! It may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, he serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathy of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Another Safety Point:
Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last,
and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby.He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night. Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby ----
The Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana

Ladies: Share this with your girl friends.
Men: Share this with your wives, daughters and/or girlfriend or friends.

PASS THIS ON FOR SAFETY

Bukit Aman's Malaysia Control Centre (MCC)

For your info,
Important Numbers:
Put these hotline numbers into your mobile phone…
03-2262 7555/03-2262 6555

They may save your life, prevent a crime or catch a criminal!Those are the numbers for Bukit Aman's Malaysia Control Centre (MCC), the call centre for all police emergencies. The police are urging Malaysians to have these numbers in their mobile phone. Bukit Aman Public Relations Superintendent, Mohamad Daud said motorists may help prevent cases like the recent murder of assistant computer engineer Mohamad Nazri Ismail.

He added that even after the crime has occurred, the police could go to the crime scene in the shortest possible time and it may result in the capture of those responsible.

An MCC spokesman said the public from any parts of Malaysia can call the centre to report an emergency anytime. "We will direct the call to the nearest police station for the officers there to handle the matter," said the spokesman.

Scam Email – Maybank2u

Someone shared the following case:

Kindly share this information with all your family members and friends. Lately there were numerous times these types of scam email have been received where the sender claimed from "MAYBANK' asking Mayban2U customers to login to Maybank2U through their email link.

Here it is shown that when you click the link, these websites will be displayed and if you just entered any username and password (DO NOT ENTER YOUR REAL USERNAME & PASSWORD) and also any TAC it will still move to the next page without notifying you had entered wrong login codes. If you enter the real username and password, they will use them to login to your account.

The best is in the last PAGE where they do not advise you to check on your account until 5.45pm, so that they got the time to CLEAR all your money.

Please remind our family members & friends.





KUALA LUMPUR - Tidak sampai empat minit, duit dalam akaun bank milik seorang pengurus, Yong Chee Seong, 30, berjumlah hampir RM5,000 lesap sekelip mata.

Kes itu dipercayai gara-gara sindiket perbankan dalam talian ( online ) yang didalangi pakar teknologi maklumat di kalangan warga asing yang memerangkap mangsa melalui penghantaran e-mel 'berhantu'.

Chee Seong memberitahu, e-mel dalam bahasa Inggeris yang diteri- manya pada 23 September lalu kira- kira 1 tengah hari memintanya mengemas kini maklumat talian perbankan melalui proses pertukaran kata kunci akaun bank. "Ia nampak asli dan meminta saya berbuat demikian bagi tujuan kese- lamatan selain mengelak ditipu oleh sindiket yang semakin menjadi-jadi di ruang siber,'' katanya di sini semalam.

Menurut Chee Seong, sebagai pelanggan tetap bank terkemuka itu sejak enam tahun lalu, dia langsung tidak menaruh syak bahawa e-mel itu satu perangkap kerana pautan laman web untuk dia membuat kata kunci baru, muncul dengan hampir menyamai laman web bank tersebut.

Beliau hanya menyedari ada sesuatu yang tidak kena berlaku sele- pas beberapa minit mendaftarkan kata kunci baru dengan empat minit kemudian menerima khidmat pesa- nan ringkas (SMS) daripada pihak bank dengan maklumkan satu transaksi pemindahan wang dari akaunnya berjumlah RM4,935. "Saya tergamam kerana saya tak buat apa-apa,'' katanya. Sejurus selepas itu, Chee Wah terus menghubungi bank berkenaan dan jurucakapnya mengesahkan polisi mereka tidak meminta pelanggan menukar data menerusi e-mel.. Chee Wah cuba mengakses kembali pautan laman web berkenaan, namun gagal.

Mangsa membuat laporan polis di Balai Polis Sea Park , Petaling Jaya pada 23 September lalu selepas dinasihatkan oleh pihak Maybank.

Torchlight (Stungun) Beware (to all drivers)

Someone shared the following case:

“I just thought to let know what my doctor told me recently. I don't think she was lying and neither am I, so please pass this on to your friends. Her clinic is in SS2 and you know how congested that place is.

One morning a few months ago in broad daylight, a girl was getting into her car when a few men approached her with what looked like torchlight, quite harmless looking. They pressed the "torchlight" into her back and immediately she went limp and very pale. So she wouldn't be able to fight back, they slashed her thigh with a “Parang” and sped away in her car.

There were many people around and they quickly took her to the nearest clinic which was my doctor's clinic. There were two doctors at that time and they managed to stitch up her wound but the girl remained pulse-less and still pale as paper. No pulse, no BP (blood pressure). Just like dead.

My doctors were confused as to how one wound on the thigh made the girl almost like dead?

They managed to revive her and save her life.

After some checking around, the doctors found out what actually happened was that the girl was made unconscious not by a torchlight but actually a high voltage weapon. I forgot how many watts she mentioned. 1000? Anyway, it was high enough to kill a person by electrocution.

It seems this weapon is from China. It's not rampant yet in Malaysia, but with this thing, a person can rob, rape, kill, kidnap, and practically do anything to you. My doctor said that if the girl weren't taken to the clinic immediately she would have died because there was no pulse on her.

So please just beware of your surroundings, if anybody is lurking around with a torchlight-thingy and approaches you, just scream or run away. Better to be embarrassed than ZAPPED and fried, right? Take care.”

FRAUD TACTICS

Someone shared the following cases:

(1) Today I passed by a building which has an ATM machine. There was an old man looking at me. Suddenly, he called me. He said he didn't know how to read, so he gave me his ATM card and asked me to help him withdraw money from the ATM machine. I answered 'NO!! If you need help, ask the security to help you.' Then he said 'never mind..' and continued to find other people to help him...

REMEMBER: ATM machines have CCTVs. If you help him he will later claim that you have robbed him or stolen his ATM card. Besides, his ATM card could be a stolen one. So please be careful of these tactics.
(2) Suddenly your house lights go off. From your window you find that your neighbors still have lights. So you go out of your house to check the Meter Box. But once you open the door, a knife will be pointing at you and preventing you from closing it. This is when you will be robbed and injured.

REMEMBER: Even though your electricity suddenly goes off, DO NOT open your door immediately. Look around to see if there is anything unusual or if there is any noise around.

(3) This is another incident. You may have heard it before; it is about a lady who she saw a kid crying by the roadside. When she spoke to the kid, the kid told her he was lost and wanted her to take him home. The kid even gave her a paper with his house address. So she took him home. But when she rang the door bell, she had an electric shock. Later when she woke up, she was naked in an empty room.

REMEMBER: Being such a compassionate and helpful person might not be a good thing these days. Pass this on and girls, please be careful!

(4) One day, there was an old lady outside my house holding 2 packets of sweets. At first I thought she was our neighbor and wanted to give us these packs of sweets as a gift. But then when she spoke, I can realize that she was foreigner. I could not understand what she was talking about. I guessed she must be asking for money. I sensed there was something wrong and immediately closed the door and ignored her. Later, I found she and an accomplice robbed someone else down the road.

(5) I was at the ATM machine to withdraw some money. Behind me, there was an old lady. She asked me whether I was able to withdraw my money because she said she had problem with her machine. Suddenly a small girl came up beside me. The small girl was squeezing in front of me. I thought she was just naughty and playful. But then, the small girl put her hand at the tray of the ATM machine where the money comes out; ready to take away my money. I sensed something wrong and immediately pushed her away. Later I realized that the small girl and the old lady worked together. She was trying to steal my money while the old lady was trying to distract my attention by asking me questions!

REMEMBER: BE VERY CAREFUL when you are at an ATM machine and be alert. Look out for anyone suspicious around you!

(6) My parents are retired and stay at home most days. One afternoon, a young stranger went to their house and said his motorcycle had no more petrol and the petrol station was too far for him to push his bike there. So he asked my parents for an empty coke bottle to buy some petrol. He said he will pay RM2 for the bottle. So my mum took one coke bottle for him. He really took out the money from his pocket, but it was a RM 100 note. He told my mum he had no small change and asked my mum to give him the change. Luckily my mum was smart. She just told him to take it for free.

REMEMBER: obviously that is fake note!! Who would want to pay for RM2 for an empty coke bottle!! It's very OBVIOUS that that stranger is a trickster.

(7) DO NOT open your house door when you hear the sound of a BABY CRYING!! It might be a trap! Women in the house must be alert to this trick. The police said it is the work of a robber or murderer using the recording of a baby crying to attract your attention. This normally happens at night and when you are alone in the house.

Duped by credit card scam upon check in at Hotel

You arrive at your hotel and check in at the front desk. When checking in, you give the front desk your credit card (for all the charges for your room). You get to your room and settle in. Someone calls the front desk and asked for (example) Room 620 (which happens to be your room).

Your phone rings in your room. You answer and the person on the other end says the following, 'This is the front desk. When checking in, we came across a problem with your charge card information. Please re-read me your credit card number and verify the last 3 digits numbers at the reverse side of your charge card.'

Not thinking anything you might give this person your information, since the call seems to come from the front desk. But actually, it is a scam of someone calling from outside the hotel/front desk. They ask for a random room number. Then, ask you for credit card information and address information. Sounding so professional that you do think you are talking to the front desk.

If you ever encounter this problem on your vacation, tell the caller that you will be down at the front desk to clear up any problems. Then, go to the front desk and ask if there was a problem. If there was none, inform the manager of the hotel that someone called to scam you of your credit card information acting like a front desk employee.

GONG XI FA CHAI

What To Do If Stopped By Malaysian Police

This is very useful information. Please pass it on to your friends and family.............especially the women folk! The next time you are stopped by persons who claimed they are plain clothes police; you are under no obligation to answer their questions or follow their orders.

'Policeman who is not wearing his uniform does not have the authority to stop anyone,' lawyer and human rights activist Sivarasa Rasiah said.

Procedures to follow in the event you are stopped by uniformed police Officers while driving:

1. Stop the car and wind down your window.
2. If the police officers ask for your documents, request to see their IDs first.
3. If you are satisfied about their identity, ask them if you are being summoned, and for what offence.
4. Produce your identity card and driver's license and wait to collect your summon ticket.

In the event that the police officers ask you to follow them to the police station:
1. Ask if you are under arrest and for what offence.
2. If you are not under arrest, you have the right to leave.

In the event you are flagged down by persons you believe could be plain clothes police:
1. Do not stop because plain clothes police officers do not have the authority to stop you.
2. Drive to the nearest police station and lodge a report. (The same procedure applies to pedestrians)

In the event the police come to your house:
1. Do not let them in before checking their IDs.
2. If you are not satisfied, phone the nearest police station and confirm if they had been sent to your house.
3. You are under no obligation to allow them into the house if they don't have a search warrant. 4. Do not go with them if you are not under arrest.

In the event persons who claimed to be plain clothes police come to your house:
1. Do not let him in because they do not have the authority to do so.
2. Lodge a report at the nearest police station.

Sivarasa was commenting on the alleged gang-rape of an 18-year-old Uni student by four men claiming to be police officers on New Year's Eve. The girl said that her car was stopped in Taman Tun Dr Ismail in Kuala Lumpur and were asked by the men to open the car bonnet. She was then told that she had committed an offence and ordered to follow the men to a police station. The girl was driven in her car along the North-South expressway to the Tapah-Cameron Highlands road before she was raped in an oil palm estate.

These incidents, and many others, have sparked confusion over the procedures which motorists must follow when flagged down by the police. The most common problem is that most people take instructions without determining if the other person is really a cop,' lawyer Annie Santiago said.

However, if you are stopped by a uniformed policeman, then you are required to stop. But you need not get out of the car because you are not expected to do so, Santiago said. The other rule to follow is to provide your identity card only when you are asked to do so. 'Even then, you should get his ID first to confirm if he is a cop. There is no harm in calling the relevant police station to verify if he is supposed to be on duty that day,' Sivarasa said.

Both lawyers said that motorists should never follow an officer to the police station unless one is under arrest. 'If you are not sure, and your instincts tell you that something is wrong, then drive off to the nearest police station and lodge a report,' Sivarasa said.

In response to the alleged gang-rape of the 18-year-old, Women's Aid Organisation executive-secretary Ivy Josiah called on the police to launch an education program to teach the public about their rights to prevent them from being victimised by bogus police officers.

Daily Personal Safety Measures

Have you ever felt frightened or intimidated when out walking alone? Have you ever wondered what you should do if approached by an attacker? Have you ever worried about becoming yet another home invasion statistic?

The sad reality is that we live in an increasingly violent society in which the fear of crime is ever-present. Personal safety has become an issue of importance for everyone, but especially for women.

Awareness at all times
Your First Line of Defence. Most people think of kicks to the groin and blocking punches when they hear the term "self-defence." However, true self-defence begins long before any actual physical contact. The first, and probably most important, component in self-defence is awareness: awareness of yourself, your surroundings, and your potential attacker's likely strategies.

The criminal's primary strategy is to use the advantage of surprise. Studies have shown that criminals are adept at choosing targets who appear to be unaware of what is going on around them. By being aware of your surroundings and by projecting a "force presence," many altercations which are commonplace on the street can be avoided.

Trust Your 6th Sense
"Sixth sense." "Gut instinct." Whatever you call it, your intuition is a powerful subconscious insight into situations and people. All of us, especially women, have this gift, but very few of us pay attention to it. Learn to trust this power and use it to your full advantage. Avoid a person or a situation which does not "feel" safe--you're probably right.

Out partying
Getting drunk or taking drugs can dull your senses, which can be extremely dangerous to your personal safety.

Make sure you plan in advance how you are going to get home. The ideal plan is to book your cab in advance or, if you have the number of a licensed cab company with you, call from the party before leaving the venue. Alternatively ask your host or staff at the club or bar to recommend one.

Beware of spiked drinks.

Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

Taxis
Do not hail a minicab from the street or accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade: the driver could be anyone. Book a cab over the phone and when the cab arrives ask the driver his name and company. Ask what name he is expecting to collect.

Always try to share a cab with a friend.

If necessary walk to the nearest minicab office, keeping to well-lit streets and walking against the traffic and in sight of other people whenever possible.

Always sit in the back of a cab and if you get chatting to the driver do not give away personal details. If you feel uneasy with the driver, ask him to stop at a busy familiar place and get out.

Public transport
If using public transport, have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so that your wallet is out of sight.

Always wait for the bus or train in a well-lit place near other people if possible and try to arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station.

If a bus is empty or it is after dark, stay on the lower deck as near as possible to the driver.
If you feel threatened make as much noise as possible to attract the attention of the driver or guard.

On foot

• Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
• Whenever possible, walk with a friend or stay near a group of people.
• Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
• Always take the route you know best and stick to well lit, busy streets.
• Look confident. Bullies tend to choose victims who look like an easy target.
• Keep your mind on your surroundings: when wearing a walkman you will not hear trouble approaching.
• Be careful when using a cash point machine. Do not count your money in the middle of the street.
• If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road turning as you do to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, cross again. Keep moving. Make for a busy area and report to anyone who may be able to help you.
• If a vehicle pulls up suddenly alongside you, turn and walk in the other direction: you can turn much faster than a car.
• Never accept a lift with a stranger or someone you don't know very well even if you are wet, tired or very late.
• Place valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket or use a body belt. If you are carrying things, use a small bag slung across your body under a jacket or coat. Ensure it sits close to your body.
• Avoid confrontation. Do not meet aggression with aggression, a this is likely to escalate the situation. Talk your way out of problems, stay calm, speak gently, slowly and clearly. Breathe out slowly to help you relax.
• If you are trapped or in danger, yell or scream. Your voice is your best defence. Shout, 'Phone the police' or other specific instructions which people can understand easily.

Always carry in your pocket

• A mobile, a phonecard or some spare change to make a phone call.
• A couple of numbers for reputable cab firms in your area/ area you go out.
  Money, keys and travel cards.
• If possible carry a personal alarm and know how to use it to shock and disorientate an assailant so that you can get away.