Personal safety

In today’s world you can be forgiven for having anxiety about being out and about on your own, especially at night, however taking a few simple precautions can help minimise the chances of becoming the victim of an attack.

Take special precautions if in unfamiliar surroundings, try and plan your route, avoiding unlit roads/open ground and alley ways. If possible take advantage of any offers to accompany you or drive you by a known friend/relative. Remember it is unlikely anything will happen but thinking ahead could minimise the risk.

Staying safe

Walk confidently – this will make you feel safer and perhaps discourage an attacker
Plan your route beforehand and be aware of your surroundings
Let family or friends know where you’re going and when you can be expected back
Carry a mobile phone – somewhere easy to get to and not in your handbag
If you would feel more confident, carry a personal alarm
Walk on well-lit paths and avoid underpasses or tunnels
If possible stick to busy roads and walk in the middle of the pavement
If your bag has a strap, wear it across your body
When there is no pavement, walk facing oncoming traffic. If a car stops, walk in the opposite direction, so that it cannot follow without turning around
If you go jogging regularly, vary your route and avoid wooded and isolated areas. Remember that if you are wearing earphones you will not hear anyone coming up behind you
If you think you are being followed, don’t be afraid to ask for help

Driving alone can also be risky; again a few simple precautions may prevent an attack:

Ensure any valuables are kept out of sight
If you are meeting someone tell them when you plan to meet and the route you will be taking
Keep all the doors locked when driving
If you think you are being followed, drive on until you reach a busy place such as a garage forecourt
If someone tries to flag you down and you’re not sure if they are genuine, keep driving until you reach a place from where you can safely call the emergency services
If you break down on a motorway wait on the embankment and not in your car. If you keep the passenger door open, you can get into the car quickly and lock the doors if anyone suspicious approaches
When parking choose a manned car park if possible and reverse into the space
When returning to your car have your key ready and check that there is nobody in the car

Keeping your children safe

It is important to make children aware of the dangers without frightening them into believing everyone is a threat. Spending some time in explaining things to watch out for and things to do will increase confidence in their abilities to cope when outside of the home:

Tell your child not to talk to anyone that they do not know and that they should let you know if a stranger talks to them
Tell your child that they should not go anywhere with someone else before they have told you or the adult that is in charge of them
Your child needs to know that they should tell you of any incident and that you will not be angry with them. You should also reassure them that you will believe them
Teach your child that some secrets should never be kept even if they have promised not to tell. Child abusers are known to often use the ploy “it’s our secret”
Your child should be taught that it’s fine to say no if someone tries to touch or harm them
You should let them know what to do if they get lost i.e. look for a policeman, shop assistant or a family with young children.
Teach them your address and telephone number so that you can be easily contacted if you get separated

Safety advice for young people

Young people are more likely than any other age group to be the victim of theft or assault due to the fact they spend more time out and about. Being aware and taking precautions can help minimise risk. Avoiding situations that might develop adversely where groups are involved and not allowing themselves to be cajoled into getting involved if they feel things are not right. The following points are additional to the Staying Safe Advice:

It is best not to walk or travel alone – try to keep in a group or with a friend
Tell your parents/guardians where you are going and let them know if your plans change
Stay alert to what is happening around you
Do not laden yourself down with lots of heavy bags
Keep any valuables such as mobile phones and mp3 players out of sight
Remember if you are using earplugs to listen to music or talking on your mobile phone you will not hear anyone approaching from behind. You are also advertising the fact that you have something to steal
Think about a safe place to go on your route home if you feel threatened. Safe places to go could be busy places such as shops, garages or a police station
Have your keys ready to use as you reach home so you can get inside quickly
People are not always as they appear – never go anywhere with anyone you don’t know and trust
When using a cash point make sure you check that there is no-one hanging around and that nobody is able to see your pin number. Always put your money in your wallet or purse before you move away from the cash point
When out cycling remember to dress to be seen by wearing bright coloured or reflective clothing and avoid cycling anywhere you would not feel comfortable walking