Out alone

• Out & about
• Mobile phones
• Credit & debit cards
• In the car
• On public transport
• Taxis

If you do need to go out alone at night, remember you must not be complacent. Keep alert at all times.

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Out & about

• 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
• You might like to spread your valuables around your body.  For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than to 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 of deodorant), but you may not carry a weapon
• If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker might be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self-defence and use it against you. It is often better just to shout loudly and run away
• Shout ‘fire’ rather than ‘help’ – it can get more results
• If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair
• Try not to advertise your valuables such as your mobile phone, laptop, MP3 player, jewellery or watch
• When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings
• If you often walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm from a DIY store or ask your local Crime Prevention Officer where you can buy one
• If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street – more than once if necessary - to see if he follows. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people – a pub or anything with a lot of lights on – and call the police
• If a car stops and you are threatened, scream and shout, and set off your personal attack alarm if you have one. Get away as quickly as you can If you can, make a mental note of the number and description of the car. Write down details as soon as possible afterwards
• Carry your bag close to your body. Shoulder bags are better than handheld bags. Carry your keys in your pocket and don't put your bag down in pubs or supermarkets; keep it with you
• Self defence and safety awareness classes may help you feel more secure. Ask at your local police station or your work if they have classes.

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Mobile phones

Many people have a mobile phone and if you are one of them you need to make sure that you keep yourself and your mobile safe when you are using it.  If your phone is stolen, report your number to your network operator and the police – the handset can now be barred on all networks and will be useless to thieves. You can help protect your mobile phone if you:

• Register your phone with your network operator
• Record your registration number (IMEI) and your phone number. Keep these in a safe place separate from your phone
• Use a pin code to lock your phone
• Be aware if you are walking and texting at the same time – you need to keep alert!
• Only give your number to your friends
• Avoid using your phone in the street and try and keep it on silent or vibrate so you don’t draw attention to yourself.

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Credit & debit cards

If your cards are stolen, call your bank or credit-card company as soon as possible. Your bank statement will have a number available for you to call if your card is stolen. Phone numbers are often displayed on cash machines. 

You can minimise the chance of being a victim of credit card theft:

• Keep your cards separate from your cheque books
• Treat your cards like cash – never let them out of your sight
• Never keep your PIN number with your cards.

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In the car

Always lock the car from the inside - don't forget the passenger doors.

• When you're driving, keep all the doors locked, and don't wind the windows down fully. Keep valuables out of sight and don't leave them in the car when you get out
• Park in a well-lit street, if possible, under a street light or a car park displaying the 'Secure by Design' logo
• Consider carrying a mobile phone. But don't leave it on the seat
• Plan your route and don't ask strangers for directions
• Never stop for hitchhikers
• If you believe you are being followed, do not go home. Drive to a police station or a busy place (Pub, club etc.) and get help.
• When returning to your car, look in the back before you get in, to check there is no one inside.

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On public transport

• Try to stay away from isolated bus stops, especially after dark
• On an empty bus, sit near the driver or conductor
• On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several other people – ideally one which will be near the exit of your destination. Check to see where the emergency chain is.

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Taxis

• If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you ordered
• If you can pre-book your taxi, make a note of the company you are using and the phone number, and leave it with a friend
• Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. Avoid minicabs or private-hire cars that tout for business and are unlicensed
• Always sit behind the driver in the back seat
• If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people
• If in any doubt, don’t get in the taxi.

For more information visit the Cabwise website.