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CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE 101. IN AN EMERGENCY ALWAYS 999

Personal
safety

Person putting hand in a handbag

The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of personal crime are very low. But everyone should take some simple precautions as part of everyday life.

On foot

Look confident and act confidently
Cover up jewellery, mobile phones, personal music players and keys
Avoid walking home alone after an evening out. Walk with friends or take a taxi (from a reputable firm)
Never hitchhike
Consider carrying a personal attack alarm
If you have to walk, avoid short cuts in lonely areas. Keep to well-lit, busy streets
Always walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you
If you regularly go walking or jogging, vary your route
Avoid using a personal music player or mobile phone while walking or jogging. They can distract you from your surroundings
When approaching your car or home, have your keys ready so you can enter without delay
If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on a door. Then call the police
If you are attacked, shout for help as loudly as you can or shout for someone to contact the police. Use your personal attack alarm. Try to get to a safe place and call the police
If someone attempts to take something from you, consider letting them have it rather than risk being hurt
Consider taking self defence classes.

In your car

Make sure your car is roadworthy and has enough fuel for your journey
Keep a torch in your car
Always lock the car while you are inside it
Don’t leave your bag, wallet or mobile phone on the passenger seat
Keep valuables out of sight
Park in well-lit, busy areas and consider the safest route back to where you have parked
If possible, park in police approved car parks displaying the ‘ParkMark’ logo. Visit www.parkmark.co.uk for further information
Check the interior of your car before getting in – particularly the back seat
If you are being followed do not stop and get out of the car. Lock the doors and drive to a busy place. Then stop the car, sound the horn to attract attention and use your mobile phone to call for help
Never give a lift to a stranger.

Travelling by taxi

Avoid taxi drivers touting for business
Keep the number of a reputable taxi firm with you
Only pre-book a taxi from a reputable firm. When it arrives, check that it is from the correct company. If not, don’t get in
Sit behind the driver and stay aware
If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a busy, well-lit area
If in doubt, don’t get in.

On buses and trains

Always plan your journey and try not to travel alone
While waiting for a bus or train, stand in a well-lit place near other people
Sit near the driver or other people. Avoid empty carriages or empty top decks
Check where the emergency chain is located
If you are being pestered, tell the guard or driver
Keep your fare money or ticket at hand so you can avoid getting your purse or wallet out in public
On busy trains and buses keep your belongings close by.

In pubs and clubs

When out with friends, keep an eye on each other
Don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know
Never leave your drink unattended
If your drink looks or tastes odd, don’t drink it. If you feel unusually ill, seek help from a friend or a member of staff.

For more information, download our leaflet at the bottom of this page.

Personal security