When The Phnom Penh Post suffered its sixth break-in last week the burglars demonstrated

considerable ingenuity by removing an air-conditioning unit from an outside wall

and squeezing inside the house.

Despite often elaborate precautions, a determined person will always find a way around

the system.

Only by being wise to some of the crimes currently being committed, it is possible,

perhaps, to stay safe.

Here we pass on a range of hints and advice from security experts and from victims.

Some advice may appear obvious and others, perhaps, strange but all are designed

to increase safety:

Home:

• Maintain vigilance day and night.

• Lock external doors even when people are in the house.

• Lock all internal doors at night.

• Keep a flashlight beside the bed.

• String razor-wire along external walls and hang cans filled with pebbles from

  wire as an early-warning device.

• Beef up fences and security walls. Add broken glass. "Try to slow people

  down, both getting in and leaving."

• Set up "Neighborhood Watch" schemes. Residents take turns patrolling

  the street.

• Make entry difficult. Slow people down.

• Keeps lights on at night and illuminate blind spots.

• Beware of young men carrying notebooks who claim to be from the municipality

  asking to inspect your property.

• Beware of buying local locks. Duplicate keys are easy to purchase.

• Get to know your neighbors.

• Deface valuable equipment with your name, so if it does get stolen it will stand

  out at the market.

• Prevent doors from being forced from outside.

• Lock valuablåes away inside your house "so they have to break into

  those as well."

• Bolt air-conditioning units firmly to an inside wall or encase in a steel cage.

• Check your power supply for illegal taps.

• Buy a dog.

Guards:

• Train guards to report suspicious people and vehicles hanging around.

• Guard should wait outside the gate for your arrival.

• Keep your guard on his toes. Never give him a bed.

• If your guard keeps falling asleep, fire him.

• Have your guard ring a bell on each hour to show he is awake.

On the streets:

• Act as if you know where you' are going, even if you do not. Avoid looking at

  maps on the street.

• Know the quickest and safest route to your destination.

• If you suspect somebody is following you, go into the nearest safe place, ie

  resturant, friend's house, NGO office, etc.

• Hold any bags securely and make sure valuables are not carried together in the

  same bag or pocket.

• Always carry a small amount of money to pay off muggers.

• Do not take risks and avoid arguments. If a driver challenges you over a fare

  give what you think is right and walk away.

• If confronted with a weapon, try and deal with the situation calmly.

Driving:

• To prevent overnight car theft, remove the distributor arm and/or electrical

  fuses.

• Inspect your vehicle thoroughly before driving. If you suspect problems, return

  to your home/office and seek help. If you have to leave, drive to a police station

  or a friend's house.

• Check the rear-view mirror regularly for suspicious vehicles. If you suspect

  you are being followed do not signal your intentions.

• Vary your routes and driving patterns.

• Do not drink and drive. Do not speed.

• Travel with other vehicles.

• Keep all doors locked.

• Never carry valuables.

• Avoid remote city areas.

• If your vehicle is rammed avoid stopping until you reach a safe area.

• When arriving home, do not approach your driveway until the gates are fully open.

  You can drive away if someone approaches you.

Traveling:

• Inform colleagues and friends of your whereabouts and travel plans.

• Avoid leaving main roads and well-lit areas.

• Travel with other people and find out as much as you can about the situation

  at your destination.

• Avoid traveling after dark.

• Avoid unnecessary journeys.

• If you have communications equipment, ensure that it works and that you know

  how to use it.

• Slow down at checkpoints and stop if told.

• Eat and drink in secure locations and never leave colleagues on their own.

Trouble:

• Comply with all demands. Your life is worth more than possessions.

• If attacked do not panic or be aggressive. Stay calm.

• If accused of anything, try and convince them their accusations are not justified.

• Try to make radio contact and then maintain it.

Misc:

• Familiarize yourself with your location.

• Keep abreast of political developments and the military situation.

• Do not speak about politics in public but if compelled make agreeable statements.

• Avoid unnecessary radio conversations and be cautious.

• Keep mobile telephones out of sight.