Personal Safety out and about

The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low. However, you can make yourself even less likely to be the victim of a violent crime by taking a few sensible precautions.

• You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas.
• Try to look and act confident - look like you know where you are going and walk tall.
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than get into a confrontation and risk injury.
• You can use reasonable force in self-defence. You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying anyway (for example, keys or a can or deodorant), but you may not carry a weapon.
• If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker may be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self defence and use it against you. It is often better to shout loudly and run away.
• Shout 'fire' rather than 'help' - it can get more results.
• Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing.
• When you walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings.