How can you stay safe away from home?

• 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. Carry it in your hand so you can use it immediately to scare off an attacker. Make sure it is designed to continue sounding if it's dropped or falls to the ground.
   
• Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Carry your house keys in your pocket. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. If you hang on, you could get hurt. Remember your safety is more important than your property.
   
• 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 anywhere with a lot of lights on and call the police. Avoid using an enclosed phonebox in the street, as the attacker could trap you inside.
   
• If you regularly go jogging or cycling, try to vary your route and time. Stick to well-lit roads with pavements. On commons and parklands, keep to main paths and open spaces where you can see and be seen by other people avoid wooded areas. If you wear a personal stereo, remember you can't hear traffic, or somebody approaching behind you.
   
• Think about getting a personal alarm (from DIY shops) and keep it where you can get to it easily - don't leave it at the bottom of your handbag.
   
• Don't take short-cuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground.
   
• Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.
   
• 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. This will gain you vital seconds and make it more difficult for the car driver to follow. If you can, make a mental note of the number and description of the car. Write down details as soon as possible afterwards.
   
• Don't hitch-hike or take lifts from strangers.
   
• Cover up expensive looking jewellery.
   
• Self-defence and safety awareness classes may help you feel more secure. Ask your local police or at your work if they have classes.

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. Ask for a description of the car - colour, make, etc and check this when it arrives.
   
• If you gave your name when you booked, check that the driver can tell you it before you get in. When you get home, ask the driver to wait until you are inside.
   
• There are many reputable mini-cab or private hire car companies but these must be booked either at their office or by phone. In some cases the driver will carry identification.
   
• Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. Avoid mini-cabs or private hire cars that tout for business.
   
• Always sit behind the driver.
   
• 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.

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.

Cash Machine Safety

• Avoid using the outdoor cash machine on campus (Natwest) or those close to the campus, especially when on your own or after dark.
   
• Only use the cash machine inside the Richmond Building Foyer (next to the Atrium), which is well lit, indoors, less isolated and is covered by CCTV.
   
• Be careful when walking around on your own in the evening or late at night.
   
• Be extra vigilant at all times.

How to stay safe at home

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