March 2022
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO STOP CRIME
THE
first
WORD
2021 HAS LEFT US AND AS WE LOOK BACK THE RIOTS AND A NEW OUTBREAK OF COVID HAVE LEFT THEIR MARK ON US ALL... I’m really grateful that 2021 has come and gone and we welcome 2022 .................but do we? The latest police stats have opened my eyes to how much crime has increased. There has been a 60% increase in cash-in-transit robberies with the robbers becoming more violent resulting in an increase of deaths amongst the security guards and indeed the robbers. Rape and gender based violence is on the increase. In the last 3 months 5320 rapes were reported-and many others not reported. That is 58 rapes a day. We are outraged but sadly we do nothing. Protest groups and social media comments do not lead to a decrease in rape or gender based violence. Catching the culprits and locking them up and yes throwing away the key does. 40% of South Africans do not feel safe walking outside their homes after dark As a nation we are descending into chaos. What makes these figures even more disturbing is the inability of the police force to combat the crime rate.
The force is understaffed with insufficient vehicles to even create a police presence. It seems that police on beat patrol is a thing of the past and even when there is a police presence the criminals do not seem to care. We the residents need to take action. You and I need to be a part of a Crime watch organisation in our area. I remember 10 years back we used to have couples driving around the neighborhood in 2 hour shifts, 24 hours a day keeping an eye out for unwanted guests. We had police radios and reported back to the local police station if we saw something suspicious It might be necessary to return to that. We also need to make sure our homes and businesses are secure, and where necessary adjust our securitybetter fencing, CCTV, armed security guards and use guard dogs. When you go out for a walk or job take pepper spray and when in trouble stop a passing car or run into the first available house or business. Home security is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Yes it takes funds but not as much as it would to replace your stolen goods, your dignity or even your life. Personally I’m GatVol so let’s tackle the pandemic of crime together. MARTYN J SMITHERS
Page 2
STAFIX ELECTRIC FENCE AND SECURITY CENTRES, is the exclusive Southern African distributor of the JVA and Stafix brand of Electric Fencing products, the Roboguard Wireless Perimeter Beams and CCTV Surveillance Products. Who is responsible for your security? Who is responsible for the security of your property, your family, and your possessions? So, the answer is to the question ‘who is responsible for your security’ is quite simple – you are ultimately responsible for your own security. In the Security industry products are constantly evolving. One needs to be aware of what products and service are available in the market and to have an understanding thereof. A person needs a mixture of products and services to have a total solution. When planning, keep in mind the Security Triangle.
REACT MONITOR ALARM A person needs a Strong Physical Barrier all around to Deter would be intruders. A person can then add detection element to the perimeter, be it an electric fence; outdoor beams or vibration sensors or CCTV. This is your first line of Defence, by having these products installed allows you to have an early warning system in place. Remember your Gate is also part of first line of defence, which is a weak point. Gates should be automated and then monitored by means of Infra-Red Beams or Magnet contacts linked to Electric fence energizer or Alarm System or GSM. So, if your gate is forced open then you will be notified and also someone will respond to the alarm.
Page 3
Inside
this issue
Tel: 087 943 2418 Cell: 078 685 3894 Designed by Design Space designspace1983@gmail.com
Page 2
The First Word
Page 6
What is Pepper Spray
Page 8
King Price Insurance
Page 10
K9 Dog Training
Page 14
Talking about firearms with Brad Nathanson
Fax: 086 465 3116 Email: gatvolmagazine@julymedia.co.za www.july-media.co.za
DISCLAIMER: The publisher and editor of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. Copyright July Media. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from July Media. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.
Page 4
011 027 6354 sales@liquidbullet.net
PROTECTING THOSE WHO PROTECT YOU www
V
SAVING LIVES FOR OVER 30 YEARS
Liquid Bullet is the #1 selling pepper spray and the most trusted personal safety brand by consumers and the security industry in Africa.
Visit www.liquidbullet.net for more information. Page 5
SAVING LIVES FOR OVER 30 YEARS
PROTECTING THOSE WHO PROTECT YOU
Don’t want to carry a firearm? Consider LIQUID BULLET Self-Defence Pepper Spray
Liquid Bullet was established in 1988 with the aim of supplying security equipment and accessories Within two years Liquid Bullet became one of South Africa's market leaders in supplying the most extensive range of security and self defense products to the security and private industries.
What is Oleoresin Capsicum (OC)? OC are hot peppers that are ground down into a powder which then gets extracted into a water or paste that severely irritates the eyes, skin, and throat. Want to be comfortable with how to use your Pepper Spray? Demo canisters (Non-OC) are available from LIQUID BULLET
Does Pepper Spray expire? Yes, every canister has an expiration date. The OC, itself, takes a long time to “go bad”, but the canister that contains it, gradually loses pressure over time. Meaning a spray nozzle that will not perform as intended is possible over an extended time period. Come visit LIQUID BULLET if you are overdue for a new one.
Do not leave your LIQUID BULLET Pepper Spray buried in the bottom of a purse or cubbyhole. Come down to the store and pick up a key chain spray for easy accessibility or fit your vehicle with a panic gas system. It is also advisable to carry our Pepper Ease for accidental events.
Visit www.liquidbullet.net for more information. Page 6
Page 7
REVIEW YOUR SHORT-TERM INSURANCE:
T
WAYS TO STAY COVERED ON A TIGHT BUDGET
he combination of Covid-19 and tough economic times have dealt the finances of ordinary South African a body-blow. Nearly two-thirds of consumers have seen their household income fall during the pandemic, and less than half think they will fully recover in the next 12 months, according to TransUnion research. Four in 10 are battling to pay their bills. That’s why it’s vital that you do a thorough review of your short-term insurance portfolio to see that you’re getting the best value for your money, while ensuring you have peace of mind that your car, home and belongings are fully protected going into 2022.
means you won’t be covered for accident damage, which is the most frequent loss that we see,” said Van Vuuren.
REVIEW YOUR CURRENT COVER
Go through your insurance schedule line by line. • Are you paying for assets you don’t even own anymore? • Do you insure jewellery that’s kept in a safe and never worn out of the house? • Do you have shortfall cover on cars that are paid off?
King Price’s Client Experience Partner, Wynand van Vuuren, says there are several ways you can make sure your insurance covers your risks on a tight budget.
KNOW YOUR RISKS
The starting point for effective insurance cover is to know where you and your family are most vulnerable to loss or damage. If you had a car accident, or your house was damaged in a fire, how would you recover? Can you cover the costs yourself if something were to happen? “For example, many people cut back their car insurance to third party, fire and theft – but that Page 8
King Price’s Client Experience Partner, Wynand van Vuuren
• Are your cars a year older, but you’re still paying IS YOUR HOUSE FULLY COVERED? last year’s premium? A building’s market value isn’t the same as its insured value. Work out what it would cost to • Do you work from home, and your house is always rebuild your home if you had to, and insure that occupied? amount. Buildings insurance should cover what it would cost to rebuild your property from the By demonstrating lower risk, you can save money. foundations up, including your boundary walls, solar You can also reduce your risk (and your premiums) panels, swimming pool, taps and tiles. And if you’ve by installing additional security measures like made major improvements to your home, such as electric fencing and an alarm system linked to adding a new room, tell your insurer, or risk being armed response. underinsured.
UPDATE YOUR DETAILS
If your personal circumstances have changed in any way in the past year, it’s critical that you update your insurance accordingly. These details could have a major impact on your premium. This includes the correct addresses for where your car is parked, both during the day and at night, and that your insurer knows how much mileage you do in an average month.
CHECK YOUR HOME CONTENTS COVER
The key is to make sure that you cover your home contents for their current replacement value, not what you paid for them. High-value items that are only kept in the house are covered under your home contents policy. But the moment you take any high-value items outside the house, they must be included under your portable possessions cover, or they’re effectively uninsured.
COMBINE YOUR POLICIES
Insurers love clients who have more than one policy with them. So, if you cover your house contents and a car, for example, you’ll probably pay less. You’ll also benefit from a multiple car discount if you cover two or more cars – up to 20%, in some cases. “There are lots of relatively easy ways to cut your insurance costs, without giving up your insurance and leaving yourself exposed. Even small amounts all add up. Then you can redirect those savings into something that pays off debt,” says Van Vuuren. FOR MORE INFO: Cathy Nolan: cathy.nolan@kingprice.co.za
MORE ABOUT KING PRICE
We’re the only insurer to offer premiums that decrease monthly as the values of the insured cars drop. Because it just doesn’t make sense to pay the That includes your phone, laptop, jewellery, watches same every month to insure something that’s worth and sunglasses, clothing, your gym bag and its less every month. Personal, business or specialised contents, and luggage, for example. risks… You own it, we’ll cover it. Comprehensively, To help you value your home contents correctly, cleverly and sensibly. here’s a handy home contents inventory. For a full list of awards we’ve won over the last 9 years click here.
Page 9
K9 DOG TRAINING Credit: Sgt Steve Clack
Police dogs are a critical part of law enforcement agencies across the country. Their unique abilities make these animals ideal partners for K-9 police officers. The value of trained police dogs is clear when you see the success rate of the K-9 units. It is most common for breeds such as German shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Doberman pinschers and bloodhounds to work as police dogs due to a combination of temperament, strength and a powerful sense of smell. The officers receive specialized training to learn how to interact effectively with police dogs.
POLICE DOG TRAINING
K-9 officers’ work with police dogs training them to discover drugs and explosives, locate and rescue missing people, perform inspections and more. Training begins when a dog is 1 to 2 years old, after the animal is tested “to ensure it has the right temperament for the job and can easily adapt to different environments. The most essential characteristic of a good K-9 dog is its defense drive, as well as its instinct to chase and apprehend prey”.
towel, with drugs concealed inside it. The dog then locates the towel and is rewarded with play. Once the dog is trained, it can locate hidden illegal substances in airports, cars, warehouses, residences and more.
FINDING EXPLOSIVES
Police dogs that are trained in finding explosives are tasked with detecting bombs in airports, transportation hubs, schools, shopping centers and other large venues. Their work is high stakes and can save countless lives. These canines are trained to smell the chemical compounds present in explosives, including: • • • • •
Powders Water gel RDX Commercial dynamite Other explosive components
DRUG SNIFFING
Training for drug sniffing involves the use of decoys that create scenarios that test a canine’s response, this is according to How Police Dogs Work by Ed Grabianowski. This training provides behavioral feedback for the dog, teaching it what is expected on the job. Decoy training involves hiding an object, usually a
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOB MARTIN Page 10
Page 11
Rather than being able to identify an explosive as a whole, police dogs smell the various components commonly used when creating bombs. Training for bomb sniffing dogs is delivered through repetition and reward.
LOCATING MISSING PERSONS
Search-and-rescue dogs find missing persons who have been kidnapped, run away or were victims of a natural disaster or other catastrophe. They work to find people in disaster zones, large neighborhoods, forests and secluded areas. “For the handler, certification includes tests regarding search strategies and tactics, mapping, search and victim markings, briefing and debriefing skills, in addition to canine handling skills. For the disaster search canine, certification includes proper command control, agility skills, a focused bark alert to indicate a live find,” This is according to the American Federal Emergence Management agency. Training methods for this type of police dog include conditioning the animal to find airborne scents though praise and reward. They are also trained in tracking, trailing, air scent and body location.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BOB MARTIN Page 12
Page 13
FIREARMS
WHAT NOT TO DO AS A GUN OWNER: 1.
Don’t take a gun to a place where it will likely not be needed as this is an additional responsibility.
2. Don’t produce your weapon unless you intend to discharge it and NEVER threaten the police.
I
n this edition I am going to discuss firearms; this in the wake of the shooting by Police of a gun-wielding madman in Muldersdrift recently.
There are so many clever ways of describing guns and ownership thereto. “Better to have a gun and not need it than need a gun and not have it”, “You can’t rape a 38 special”, the list goes on and on but the thing about owning a gun that is so often never discussed is the most important component to gun ownership, and this is RESPONSIBILITY. For those who have watched the Len Cloete versus the SAPS video clip I will point out some of the problems I have with Cloete and the way that he behaved as a gun owner on the day that he was shot. For those who have not seen the video and are interested in knowing what NOT to do, I urge you to watch. Firstly, the burning question is why Cloete thought it necessary to bring a gun to a room in which he intended to have sex. Each to their own, I guess. Cloete put his gun into a bedside drawer. One might argue that this is not a safe but as the law prescribes, the weapon was in his “safe custody”
Page 14
until Cloete decided to brandish it in front of the police in an attempt to intimidate them. Drawing a weapon without discharging it is in my opinion juvenile and dangerous as a weapon that is used to scare or intimidate another very often becomes a weapon that may be used against its owner. Threatening the SAPS with your gun is by far one of the very least intelligent things one might do with one’s firearm. Cocking a weapon is the ultimate sign of aggression and shows your intention to discharge even if you don’t know what you are doing as is clear if one watches Cloete cock his pistol. Cloete didn’t just load a round in the chamber of his pistol but also erroneously ejected a live round at the same time declaring “And I know how to use this”. Cloete’s biggest and almost fatal mistake was then to disposes a police officer of her weapon and then to ask for the police to shoot him which they did. Cloete now lies in hospital in critical condition with a bullet-wound to his head. Kind care BE Safe and BE Healthy Brad
3. Know how to operate your weapon in a way that doesn’t make you look foolish. This may be achieved by practicing regularly. 4. NEVER disposes a member of the SAPS of their service weapon unless you have a death wish. If you produce your weapon, be prepared and ready to use it. It is not a toy. It should NOT be used to intimidate. It is there to save your life or the life of another. YOUR weapon is YOUR responsibility.
Brad Nathanson Investigations www.bradnathanson.co.za Follow us on Facebook for all our latest crime news and updates: https://www.facebook.com/ BradNathansonPI/
betafence.com Page 15
Page 16