Personal
Safety - Out and About
The chances
of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent
crime are low. Violent crimes by strangers in public places
are still rare and account for a very small part of recorded
crime.
However,
you can make yourself even less likely to be the victim of
a violent crime – for example, robbery (mugging) or assault
– by taking a few sensible precautions. Many are common
sense, and may be things that you already do. Making yourself
safer doesn’t mean changing your entire lifestyle, personality
or wardrobe, and it doesn’t mean never going out at all.
And although
there are different sections in this booklet for men and for
women, this doesn’t mean that personal safety is just
for men or a women’s issue. Men and women can experience
crime differently and it is important to remember this so
you can protect yourself as well as possible. You should find
things of interest in both sections.
You should
think about how you would act in different situations before
you are in them. Think about whether you would stay and defend
yourself (using reasonable force), risking further injury,
or whether you would give an attacker what they want, to avoid
injury. There is nothing wrong with doing either, but you
should think about the options – there will be no time
to do so if you are attacked.
Some
general points
-
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.
-
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 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
out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal
stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to
your surroundings.
