Blog

Even though we live in one of the most beautiful countries, it’s no secret that crime remains a concern for most of us. From muggings to hijackings and kidnappings, there are many incidents where the victim is known by their perpetrator or where they have been stalked until the unthinkable occurs. Read on to discover what to do if you suspect you are being followed and differentiating between safety and danger.

Stay Alert and Trust Your Instincts

Trusting your gut feeling can save you when you least expect it. If you have an uneasy sensation that you are being watched or followed, do not ignore it. Here are some ways to stay alert and improve your safety:

• Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially in isolated areas.
• Avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones while walking.
• Walk with confidence and purpose to avoid looking like an easy target.

Safety Protocols When You’re Walking

Confirm You Are Being Followed

If you suspect someone is following you while you are taking a walk, try these simple tips to confirm your suspicions:

• Change direction abruptly and cross the road unexpectedly. You can also turn around and walk in the opposite direction.
• Monitor what happens when you slow down or speed up. Does the person adjust their pace to match yours?
• Stop to check your phone or look into a shop window. If they linger nearby without a reason, it’s a red flag.

Get to Safety

Once you confirm that you are being followed, your next step is to distance yourself and find a safe place:

• Head to a public place. Busy locations like shopping malls, petrol stations, or security-patrolled areas can discourage criminals.
• Make a phone call. Call a friend or family member and tell them someone might be on your trail. Give them your exact location and stay on the line until you think dropping the call is safe.
• Do not lead the follower to your home or workplace. Instead, take a different route or pretend to visit a crowded place.
• Send a panic alert from the FREE-to-use iER App and ensure your location is enabled.

What You Can Do if You Feel Threatened

If you suspect someone is following you, don’t stay silent; make a scene instead. Even if you raise your voice and if it’s safe to do so, ask them why they’re following you to alert nearby people and security personnel. If you draw attention to yourself, it reduces the element of surprise and increases the fear of exposure and will potentially scare them off.

Safety Protocols While Driving

Confirm You Are Being Followed

With the increasing number of hijacked victims, knowing that you are being followed while driving can be unsettling. If you suspect that a car is following you, consider:

• Make different left or right turns. A normal driver would not repeat the same pattern.
• Switch lanes multiple times. A follower will likely mimic your movements.
• Slow down slightly. If they slow down, too, it could indicate that you’re being followed.

How to Stay Safe on the Road

Avoid driving straight home because, in most cases, criminals can enter your home and risk the safety of your loved ones. You also don’t want them to know your address should they come back again. The best and safest option is to drive to a secure location such as the nearest police station, petrol station or another well-lit public space with CCTV cameras and people present.

You should ensure your FREE-to-use iER App is accessible and your location settings are enabled to send an alert for immediate dispatch of security or police units nearby. If you don’t have data, call iER on 0861 10 60 80. In this scenario, it’s also important not to pull over or slow down and focus on defensive driving.

Additional Safety Tips

• Avoid predictable routines because criminals study patterns. Changing your routes and schedules can improve your safety.
• Install and use a safety app, such as the FREE-to-use iER App, which allows you to get emergency assistance at the tap of a button.
• Keep emergency contacts on speed dial and have a trusted contact who knows your whereabouts.
• If stopped in a hijacking hotspot, keep your car in gear. This allows for a quick escape if necessary.

Crime Statistics in South Africa

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS) 2023 crime report, violent crimes such as kidnappings, hijackings, and common robberies are on the rise. The statistics are:

• Kidnappings increased by 30.8% between 2022 and 2023.
• Hijackings occur every 25 minutes.
• 70% of violent crimes like street robberies happen when victims are distracted by their phones or unaware of their surroundings.

The heightened crime rates make staying alert and acting quickly a priority if you suspect you are being followed, whether walking or driving. Criminals will most likely target you when you appear vulnerable, so stay aware, trust your instincts, and take decisive action to keep yourself safe. Your best defense is preparation, and 24/7 access to the FREE-to-use iER App connecting you to over 18 000 medical and non-medical emergency responders ensures your safety.