Personal Safety

Personal safety

It is sensible to take steps to protect yourself when you're out and about. Everyone should be able to live life freely, to come and go as they please, by day or night, without fear of being attacked. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't be prepared for the unexpected. Even witnessing an attack on someone else can have a very traumatic effect. No one wants to fill their mind with unpleasant thoughts, but it is important to think ahead; consider what you would do in the event of an attack, so that you are aware of your surroundings and can go about your everyday life with confidence. Simple forward planning and common-sense precautions can do much to ensure your personal safety.

Although the media make much of unusual and shocking crimes of violence, particularly involving the elderly, it is important to realise that such incidents are rare, which is why they are newsworthy. Crime stories are very important to the media and can often account for up to 40 per cent of a newspaper's entire editorial content.

The danger, however, is that this gives an unrealistic picture of the situation. It is important not to let a fear of crime get out of hand.

Going out

People are far more likely to take reasonable steps to travel safely when they are out late at night and on their own. Parents nag teenagers about making sure they can get home safely, either by sharing a lift with a friend or by checking bus and train timetables, or booking a taxi in advance. But parents may not necessarily follow the same rules. We tend to be creatures of habit, using, for example, the same trusted taxi firm. That's all very well if you're close to home, but what if you are in unfamiliar surroundings? In this situation, make sure you use a licensed taxi. Check that it carries its licence plates and that the driver displays his permit inside the vehicle. When you phone to book a cab, ask for the driver's name and call sign so that you can verify his identity when he arrives. Where you sit in the vehicle is a matter of choice. Most people tend to sit in the back, but some prefer to sit in the front where they feel they have more control of the situation. Trust your instincts; if you have any doubts, don't get into a cab, and if you begin to become worried during the journey, get the driver to drop you in the nearest busy place.

Never accept a lift from anyone you've only just met, no matter how genuine they seem. This may prove difficult, especially if you really like them and want to get to know them better. It's better to be safe than sorry, so ask for their telephone number and arrange to call or text them. Arrange to meet them on neutral ground, where there are plenty of other people, until you feel confident to be alone with them.

If you walk home alone at night, avoid short-cuts through dimly lit areas and open ground. Always walk in the centre of the pavement, keeping well away from bushes, dark alleyways and recesses. If possible, walk facing oncoming traffic; this makes it difficult for a kerb crawler to follow you. Walk at a good pace with a sense of purpose, holding your head up and looking well ahead. In this way, you will see any potential trouble looming ahead and will have plenty of time to cross the road if necessary. And men, please consider how a lone woman might feel, so rather than walk behind her, cross the road.

If you are keen on keeping fit and enjoy running in the evenings after work, choose well-populated routes. Avoid using a personal stereo. Not only will it prevent you from hearing anyone approaching, but also it could leave you vulnerable to a snatch thief.

Cover up expensive jewellery when you go out, and if you carry a handbag, hold it close to your body. If possible, downsize your handbag by only taking the real essentials with you. Keep your house keys in a coat, jacket or trouser pocket, rather than in a handbag. That way, if the bag is stolen, you will be able to get back into your home. Purses should always be pushed to the bottom of a bag to guard against pickpockets, while men should resist the temptation to carry their wallet in a back trouser pocket. Don't leave briefcases, suitcases or any other bags unattended; keep them close to you at all times. This is particularly relevant on public transport and at railway stations, where the threat of terrorism is always lurking at the back of our minds. Be particularly careful when checking into a hotel, because bag theft from hotel receptions is commonplace, especially in the cities. Always make use of a room safe or a deposit safe in reception to store any items of value such as jewellery, a camera, cash or passports.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

If travelling alone on public transport, try to avoid using isolated bus stops and railway stations. If possible, arrange for someone to pick you up from your destination. On buses, sit nearest the driver; on trains, try to avoid empty compartments and carriages, and those with any dubious looking characters.

Most people travelling on trains late at night are usually relaxed and friendly individuals, but women who find themselves alone in a compartment with a man on his own should move to another compartment if they feel ill at ease. Some men can find it just as difficult in these circumstances, and may often help a woman feel safer by moving to another seat or compartment themselves.

PERSONAL ATTACK ALARM

Many women feel safer when carrying a personal alarm. In the event of an attack, it can be activated to produce an ear piercing screech, which should frighten off any would-be attacker. It may also alert someone nearby that there's a problem, but its main strength lies in the sudden noise it makes, which will help you surprise an attacker and escape. Alarms may be gas or battery operated, and can be bought at any DIY store.

Gas operated alarms are louder, but make sure you choose one with a press-top that locks into place, so that it will sound continuously even if knocked from your hand. Shaking the gas bottle will usually tell you if there is plenty of gas left, but check the manufacturer's instructions as to the life of the product and replace it in plenty of time.

Battery operated personal attack alarms are often combined with torches, which are very useful. Make sure you check the batteries at regular intervals. It is essential to know how to operate your alarm instinctively, and to be aware of the sound it makes so that you're not the one who is surprised. Don't push it to the bottom of a handbag and forget about it. Keep it easily to hand, and if you're on your own walking along a street, hold it in your hand in a coat pocket.