Most people expose themselves to enemies unknowingly. Some, in an attempt to appear friendly or approachable have put their lives at risk as well as those of their loved ones by exposing them to assailants and armed robbers. Confessional statements of criminal suspects showed that most victims actually gave more than 50% of the information armed robbers and killers work with. It is therefore advisable that everyone should ensure personal security in the following areas this holiday period and at all times:
One: Receive your visitors in your office. Your house is for your wife and children alone. Inviting friends for private and official discussion is a security threat. Every enemy today has always been your friend yesterday. It is forgetful of humans that it is only your friend that can betray or disappoint you. It is therefore advisable to receive your visitors only in your office and never bring them to your residence. And if the situation warrants you to bring in friends, let it be as few as possible. Attend to your visitors in the ante-room. Your bedroom is strictly for your privacy. On no condition should you invite friends into your bedroom. Most of us make this mistake of bringing our friends into our bedrooms in the name of discussing very personal issues. It is not also unusual of businessmen to include on their complimentary card or letterhead paper home address to people. It is one of the highest risk to take.
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Two, do not employ security guards, house-helps without any certified guarantor. In the bid to assist idle youth or get a gateman, we carelessly employ without a trustworthy recommendation. This is as good as handing over one’s life to an armed robber. We have heard of instances whereby the gateman negotiates with criminals against their principals. He who must watch over one’s house, kids, properties, must be someone of proven integrity and character, with a trustworthy referee. Security of life and property shouldn’t be a joking matter. Despite the fact that you have security guards, always try to challenge every strange movement around your office or home. Install security gadgets such as spy CCTV cameras, burglary and fire alarm systems in your house where appropriate. The money you will use is little, compared to how much you will pay if kidnapped or to buy cows if murdered by assailants. It is your environment, be in charge!
Three, why send aides to withdraw large sums of money at the first instance, instead of running a cashless policy? If you must withdraw, do it personally. The day you expose your banking details and your financial worth to your aides is the beginning of your end. It is a personal account and it must be treated as much.
Four, ensure your car, motorcycle or bicycle is in good shape before putting it on the road and be extra vigilant while driving. One of the strategies adopted by robbers is to get bystanders to draw your attention to something around your tyres, bumper, bonnet, boot, etc when you aren’t feeling it while driving. Pay little or no attention to them. Never drive or walk alone. Two is always better than one. Drive carefully and be unpredictable: Observe cars behind, they may be tailing you. Use different routes to your workplace and home. Lock your car whenever you are not inside. If possible, install car alarm system. It is also important that you let somebody know about your movement. This will make you traceable in case of emergencies.
Five, it is also important to know that you must carefully choose your friends, preferably, choose responsible friends. You don’t need to smoke hemp before your body starts smelling hemp; just walk with one hemp smoker. Identify your friends sensibly and be sure you can vouch for his credibility. Everybody cannot be your friend. Some people have found themselves in the grave and prison because of their choice of friends.
Six, always remember that every free gifts has an underpinning interest. Be carefully with free gifts, it may be to have access to your privacy. Be watchful of what, when and where you eat, drink and socialise.
Seven, no matter what, do not share personal and official information with anyone. Avoid arguments that can lead to divulging of privileged information and confidences. Just like security officers do beat around the bush to gather information and intelligence, armed robbers and criminals also develop discussions to gather classified information. Learn to listen more than talk. Above all, never discuss classified information or sensitive matters on the telephone. Nothing is safe on phone. You cannot trust where the caller or the receiver is per time, and the purpose of why he opened that topic for discussion. Many people have been killed, blackmailed and unjustly punished by those who misuse phone conversations. Better still, talk eye-to-eye with anyone with doubts or questionable character.
Adeolu Oyebode writes through [email protected]. 07043333028, Twitter: @adeoluoyebode