Kidnaps: Here are 13 safety tips to follow

Since the kidnap and subsequent murder of Susan Magara, a cashier with Bwendero Dairy Farm in Hoima district, the number of kidnaps all over the country has drastically increased.

Last month, Kimberly Sue Endicott, an American tourist and her driver, Jean Paul Milenge from Wildfrontiers were kidnapped between Katoke gate and Wilderness camp at Ishasha sector in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Kanungu district.

They were later released after a huge sum of money in form of ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

Over the weekend, security in Mubende rescued a five year old kid who had been kidnapped and hidden in an anthill.

Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga last month said a total of 27 kidnap cases had been recorded with police between January and April this year.

Enanga said that of the 27 cases of kidnap, 23 victims were recovered alive, two were killed and two were still missing.

The police spokesperson urged the public to always be vigilant, security conscious and avoid exposing their personal details on social media.

“You find somebody wants give the perception that he or she is wealthy and they carry an expensive phone. People need to keep a low profile,” Enanga said.

Enanga explained that keeping a high profile especially on social media attracts perpetrators on their side.

“You will find that criminals will at a particular stage find all this information on Facebook or WhatsApp and other platforms of social media,” he said.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire also warned people on misusing social media as this would lead to kidnaps.

“When using social media you should always be mind about what you post and don’t give too much information about what goes on in your lives,”Owoyesigyire said.

“Report any suspicious people around your area.”

The police spokesperson warned members of the public against living kids unattended to as well as talking to school administration about who is supposed to pick children.

“Give them (school administration) your contact to confirm with you if you have sent anyone to pick your child. Teach your kids about the dangers of receiving gifts from strangers.”

“Installation of domestic surveillance systems can help police in investigations in case of any kidnap that happens in your home,”Owoyesigyire added.

Other useful tips on kidnaps

1. Never use car stickers that say where you work, especially if you have a prestigious job.
2. Never share pictures of your kids in their school uniforms or badges. Protect your kids!
3. When you attend parties, don't let the band get you so high that you start spraying money like no man's business, use an envelope.
4. Don't be the one that tries to empty the ATM machine by making large withdrawals ...You don't need 50k in your wallet to feel like a man.
5. Always delete your bank transaction notifications, especially SMS...you really can memorize your bank balance.
6. Don't go jogging while it's dark, you really should be smarter than that. If you can, get someone trusted as company.
7. Always lock your doors, even if you're only going out to switch off your generator.
8. Be accountable to your spouse or parents, let someone know where you are at every point.
9. As much as you can, don't send kids alone on errands outside your house, they are soft targets.
10. Don't try to show you are the richest in the neighbourhood by making large donations in your estate meetings, learn modesty.
11. When you give, give with modesty and privately, learn to say "I can't spare that amount now".
12. Don't stay late in your office long after closing hours. That deadline work can be done at home.
13. Make safety the number one factor in your decision always.