Protecting you and your family

Protecting you and your family

a group of children looking into a camera

The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of personal crime are very low. But anyone can find themselves in a vulnerable position and everyone should take simple precautions as part of everyday life.

     

On foot

  • Carry a personal attack alarm.
  • 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.
  • 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, try to stand in a well-lit place near other people.
  • Sit near the driver or other people. Avoid empty carriages or empty top decks.
  • Sit behind the driver and stay aware.
  • 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, and closed.
     
     

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.
     
     

Useful Links

If you'd like further information on or help with Personal Safety issues, please check out some of these links: