A young man knocked on my home gate very early morning. As a security measure, I do not open for strangers. Call me a coward, but the nature of my work requires me to be alert.
I checked in the camera and saw a man in his mid-20s. I went outside the house but inside the fence and shouted over the fence: “How May I help you, I asked.” “I want to be your security guard”, he replied. “What makes you think I don’t have a guard”, concerned I probed. “I am talking to you directly”, he fired back.
“Well, you see those cameras. They are linked to the security system. If I pressed a Punic button now, you would see them here. The problem I must press when the situation is dire otherwise they are seeing us right now”, I said
“Ok, sir. Thanks a lot. Bye.” He said.
Before you go, I need your national ID, and to also take your photo. Some of my friends may need your services. I said to him.
“I don’t have an ID”, he said.
Oh, that is bad. How do you look for a job without a national ID? Ok, let me just take your photo.
With some hesitation, he accepted.
Also, give me your mobile phone. He did give me the phone.
Ok, remember I have your details. I will get back to you.
Lesson:
1. Be careful with strangers. Some pretend to be looking for jobs when in reality they are doing reconnaissance or footprinting to know your security alertness
2. Always try to take a photo of the strangers around your home or village. It helps police track them. If you can, get their IDs and phone numbers.
3. Never open for strangers. Speak to them through the fence if it is low or on the phone or any small opening
4. Teach your children and house members to never open for strangers.
5. Use one BodaBoda man for your home errands.
Stay alert. As we enter into the holidays, the state of security starts with you, in your household. Then with your neighbor, then LC 1, and then local police, like that.
Keep that in mind.
