Looked through the newspaper or listened to the radio recently? We’re sure you’ve noticed the recent crimes that are targeting women around Klang Valley.
Here are just some of the crimes which have taken place lately:
27 May 2012: Car theft and attempted kidnapping of a woman at The Curve, Petaling Jaya.
3 June 2012 : Yvonne Low shared her experience about being assaulted in Cheras Mall. This incident involved her and her aunt.
5 June 2012 : A middle-aged woman was robbed and beaten up in a shopping complex.
7 June 2012: A woman who was entering a lift of a shopping mall was almost harmed by a man, but managed to escape as the lift doors opened.
(Source: aanything.net)
Social media platforms have helped to raise the awareness of these crimes, but it also creates a fear among us girls when we have to head out alone. Locking ourselves up at home isn’t a solution, so here are some general safety precautions that all of us should take, whether it’s in a car park, shopping mall or standing by the roadside.
1) Carry objects which appear to be harmful
As long as you’re carrying something which appears to be harmful, criminals would consider keeping their distance. The best thing to carry would be an umbrella.
2) Avoid parking your car in quiet/badly-lit spots
Avoid parking your car in secluded areas. If you can’t find a proper parking spot where there’s a crowd all day long, then re-park your car after a few hours so that you wouldn’t end up being the only one in that area. Consider valet parking as well if you’re only going to take a few hours.
(Source: inclusivemalaysia.com.my)
3) Utilize your Touch & Go card
Use your Touch & Go card if you have one (consider getting one if you don’t) to pay the parking fees. This way, you don’t have to go to a different floor to pay for your parking or walk alone to the auto-pay machine.
4) While walking around
If you are walking around alone, remember to dress up simply and avoid using noticeable jewellery. Leave your credit cards and ATM cards at home if you don’t think that you’ll be needing them. While walking on the road, walk against the direction of the traffic, and keep your handbag away from the roadside.
5) In your car
While driving, one of the main things which will attract the eyes of thieves is when they see your handbag on the back seat or on the passenger seat. To avoid trouble, place your handbag on the floor/foot mat so that it wil be harder for them to spot it.
Do you have any other safety tips? Do comment and share with us and our readers!
