Staying safe
It's really important to take measures to keep safe when you are out and about and personal safety is all about reducing your potential to become a victim of crime. There are a number of precautions you can take to keep safe:
- Make travel plans in advance and let your family or friends know when and where you’re going
- Make sure you always have plenty of battery life on your phone. Keep emergency numbers separate if you don't know them in case you need to contact someone but can't use your phone
- If you are going to a new area, look it up first so you know how to get there, where the places are you will be going and if possible, have directions handy with postcodes
- Stick to busy, well-lit areas and keep close to a group if you feel unsafe
- Look out for your friends. Don't stray from your group and make sure nobody else wanders off alone or with a stranger
- Book a licensed cab in advance or look for taxis that are registered. Only use licensed taxis and never accept a lift from a stranger, even if you are struggling to book a taxi
- No matter how big the taxi queue, stick with it rather than walking home on your own. Don't share taxis with strangers
- Think about carrying a personal safety alarm with you when you’re out
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings – don’t wear your headphones when you’re out alone as you won't hear if anyone approaches you
- Don’t keep all your valuables in one place. Try to keep them in different pockets or areas of your bag
- Consider using personal safety apps such as Hollie Guard, which will provide personal alarm and security features to your phone (link below for more info)
- If you feel worried or threatened on public transport, contact the guard or the British Transport Police