Finding yourself in a life-threatening situation involving armed robbers is not something most of us want to think about. It is, however, essential to have a plan of action, says Leon Muller Regional Manager at Fidelity ADT.

Pretoria has seen a major spike in business armed robberies. Specifically in Pretoria central, Brooklyn, Lotus Gardens, New Muckleneuk and Old East.

From the 1 May to 30 May, we have had 128 reported incidents spread across the northern region. Criminals are targeting businesses on weekends, with the majority of the incidents happening between 5pm and 7pm. 

On the residential side, within the Fidelity ADT footprint, three armed robberies have been reported in the last week. These seem to have been opportunistic. 

 “How you react when faced with a nervous, gun-toting criminal can save your life, or cost you your life. All family members need to know what to do if uninvited guests come through the door intent on robbing you, or worse.”

6 tips on what to do in an armed robbery:

1. Stay calm and obey the robbers’ orders.
2. Keep your hands visible and don’t reach for anything unless told to do so.
3. Don’t try to negotiate with them. Speak when spoken to and do so clearly.
4. Give them what they ask for and don’t lie about safes or cash in the home. In all likelihood, the robbers have done their homework.
5. Observe the robbers and try to gather information on their appearances, voices, language used, etc. Look at clothing, distinguishing marks, height and types of weapons, for example.
6. Keep them informed so there are no surprises, like a family member arriving for a visit.

Afterwards
Press your panic button/phone to alert your armed response service provider and/or phone the police on 10111. Say if you need medical assistance. Lock all doors. Check on the victims. Keep everyone calm. Relate the incident clearly and in detail to the first responders. Try not to disturb areas the robbers were in and point out anything they may have left behind.

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COMPILED ON BEHALF OF FIDELITY ADT BY CATHY FINDLEY PR.

MEDIA QUERIES CONTACT JACQUI MOLOI ON 0717648233 OR This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.