We often hear reports of follow-home crimes from shopping centres, schools, and airports — but it’s easy to think this only happens to other people. Unfortunately, anyone can become a target, and being unprepared can make a dangerous situation worse.
“It’s important to know what to look out for,” says Charnel Hattingh, Head of Group Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.
“Criminals today are highly professional — you may not even realise you’re being followed until it’s too late.”
What are the signs to look out for?
- Stay alert at all times – avoid distractions like mobile phones or attending to children while driving
- Check your surroundings regularly – use your mirrors and stay aware of vehicles near you, especially at intersections or when stationary
- Be aware of coordination – criminals may use multiple vehicles communicating via technology — if one car falls back, another may take over
- Watch for erratic movement – a suspicious vehicle might pass you several times, then slow down or change lanes to follow unnoticed.
What to do if you believe you’re being followed:
- Have emergency contacts ready – save important numbers and know who to call in a crisis. If you can, alert a trusted person and ask them to contact 10111 on your behalf
- Stay calm and focused – concentrate on getting to a safe location
- Do not engage – avoid eye contact or any communication with the suspected vehicle
- Adjust your speed – drive slowly but steadily — it’s harder for someone to follow a cautious, unpredictable driver
- Turn down your radio so you can remain fully aware of your surroundings
- Increase visibility – turn on your headlights (bright) and hazards, day or night, to draw attention and potentially deter attackers
- Do not go home – never lead a suspicious vehicle to your residence
- Head to a safe, busy location – drive to a 24-hour petrol station, hospital, or police station where it’s harder for criminals to act and where surveillance cameras are likely present.
“At the end of the day, staying alert is probably the most important tip,” concludes Hattingh.
“Too often we’re distracted, and that makes us vulnerable to criminal activity.”
Issued by Fidelity Services Group – charnelh@fidelity-services.com
