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Security at World Cup Cricket Matches

By Eugene Herbert. Below are listed some tips we recommend following when visiting South Africa.

General Tips:

1. Do not attract unwarranted attention by openly displaying valuables. Those which can be secured in the hotel should be, other items such as cameras need to be held securely.
2. Carry your wallet in a place which is secreted in your body, not in outside pockets.
3. Avoid carrying large sums of money, on your person. It may even be appropriate to keep "muggers money" readily available that can be handed over in the event of a robbery. If this is in a wallet that can be handed over there is the possibility that you may not be troubled further.
4. Enquire from hotel staff or other acquaintances as to what places are "dangerous" ( in some instances city centres) and AVOID strange, dark or isolated places.
5. Avoid travelling to strange places on your own and do not frequent tourist spots on your own. Make sure there are other visitors around. If no one else is around rather return at a later date /time.
6. Do not accept drinks from strangers as it has happened that drugs have been added, resulting in the incapacitation of individuals. Do not leave your drink unattended if you are at a restaurant or bar.
7. If at all possible leave your important documents in a safe place and keep only certified copies to hand for identification.
8. Mark your luggage and belongings for ease of identification.

General Tips When At A Cricket Match:

1. Do not leave your valuables (wallets, any negotiable instruments, jewellery, cell phones, lap top computers, cameras, video cameras, camcorders & other electronic equipment unattended at any time. This applies to all players, team contingents, VIP's, media, & broadcasters notwithstanding whether they are left in secured CWC 2003 facilities. If safes and lockup facilities are made available in such facilities, please make use of them.
2. Keep your wallet in your inside or front pockets.
3. Familiarise yourself with the disaster management plans (signage) at host stadiums.
4. Ensure that you are familiar with and abide by the official schedule of ICC CWC SA 2003 restricted items, match ticket conditions and ground rules applicable to all CWC 2003 host stadiums.
5. Safeguard your match ticket and/or tournament accreditation card.
6. Report any suspicious or untoward behaviour to your nearest police or security officials.
7. If in possession of an official accreditation card of any nature-SAFEGUARD it as the replacement thereof (if approved) will be a long process.
8. Avoid intoxication - it may lead to your removal from the stadium and impede you in the event of an emergency.

General Tips When Driving in South Africa:

1. Your personal safety in a vehicle is vitally dependent on YOU and in all instances the driver should accept responsibility for the occupants complying with all necessary safety precautions.
2. Plan what you will be doing in advance, specifically with regard to the route one will be travelling. Keep route maps in your vehicle and familiarise yourself with routes both too and from your destination.
3. Ensure that you have at least one quarter tank of FUEL ( Fill up when ever you get to the half way mark) . Prior to driving off an brief inspection of the vehicle, such as tyres and lights is always recommended.
4. Fasten your seat belt, lock your doors and never leave your windows open.
5. Do not leave valuables in the vehicle. Secure such items in the luggage space ( which should be covered). It is wise not to transfer these items when parking. Stop at a petrol station enroute and do so prior to parking - no prying eyes to see what you are doing.
6. Incidents of hijackings and smash & grab take place at intersections when vehicles are stationary. Be aware of what is happening around you and if at all possible adjust driving style so as to keep on the move as much as possible.
7. If you are bumped from behind and your sixth sense warns you of something being amiss do not pull over rather move to a safe place where there is lots of activity and light. Report the matter to the Police.
8. Use a "hands-free kit" if you have to make a call. If you do not have such equipment then exercise caution if you decide to pull over to make a call. Choose a SAFE PLACE to do so all the while keeping an eye on your surroundings. Be prepared to drive away quickly if necessary.
9. Park in safe areas , keeping in mind what prevailing conditions will be on returning to your vehicle. When returning to your vehicle, have your keys READY to unlock the car and move off as quickly as possible - prepare passengers to do the same.

General Tips As A Pedestrian:

1. Know where you are going , PLAN your route before hand.
2. Stick to well illuminated, busy streets and do not walk alone
3. Be aware of your surroundings by watching who is following you ( a glance in a shop window is normally is a good indication) and the look of persons ahead.
4. Walk facing oncoming traffic. AVOID alleyways and areas covered with dense shrubs/bushes.
5. Avoid ostentatious displays of wealth.
6. If you require any information approach a policeman, traffic officer, security officer or shopkeeper.
7. Should you wish to use a TAXI, Ask for advice. Check twice rather than be a victim.

General Tips When Visiting Tourist Sites:

1. Plan visits by ascertaining when these are open and good times. Get advice from your hotel or local tourist information office.
2. Tourist stand out like a sore thumb. Be alert as to who is watching you.
3. It is recommended you use recommended tourist guides and their transportation.
4. South Africa has a high incidence of road deaths- particularly in Minibus Taxis. Be cautious when catching a taxi.

In Emergency:

1. Do not panic, I repeat do not Panic. THINK LATERALLY. Try talk your way out of the difficult situation. Do not however act like a victim.
2. Do not resist unless you know that such resistance will lead to your escape.
3. If your instincts are to resist - do not hold back. Do so in a loud and assertive manner.
4. If circumstances dictate that you must not resist. Caution is recommended as criminals do not like to be recognised. Observations should be done in a non threatening manner.
5. In a robbery/hijacking situation - do as you are told. DO NOT ARGUE or challenge your accoster and do not look directly into his/her eyes. Keep your hands still and visible. In undoing your seatbelt do so with the left hand while keeping the other hand visible Exit the vehicle keeping close to the vehicle and OBEY all instructions.

NB: Article courtesy of RAC, South Africa: RAC has grown - as a result of several years spent in recovering stolen vehicles on behalf of major corporations - to a multifaceted risk management operation. Visit their site: RAC STOP hijack.com.