Accurate and detailed descriptions of criminals can go a long way towards securing their arrest, says a private security company.
Accurate and detailed descriptions of criminals can go a long way towards securing their arrest, says a private security company.
“Security companies and law enforcement agencies need to have an accurate description of the suspect to assist them in tracking down the perpetrator,” said ADT Security District Manager (Outlying Branches), Peter Kruger.
The most important things to remember, said Kruger, are the following: If you become the victim of a crime, don’t make direct eye contact with the perpetrator;
make mental notes of what the person was wearing, and be as precise as possible (this includes logos, colours, and any other distinguishing mark);
was there anything striking about the way the person spoke, eg did he/she speak with a lisp, or with an accent?;
did you recall any distinguishing facial features, tattoos or scars?;
if there was a getaway vehicle involved, what make/ model/ colour was it and did you see the number plates or any other distinguishing features such as mag-wheels or scratch marks?
“Becoming a victim of crime is understandably a scary and traumatic experience, and one’s first instinct is not always to be calm and observant. We believe however that by keeping the above safety tips in mind, this can be changed,” said Kruger.
Being observant of your surroundings, he explained, is the key.
“If you are attentive to any possible risks, there is the likelihood of avoiding them.
Equally, if you are able to provide police or your security company with as much detail as possible of the perpetrator it will help law enforcement agencies in identifying the suspect and hopefully quickly putting them behind bars,” said Kruger.
