Media reports, whether on the television, radio or in newspapers, tend to highlight the most alarming personal attacks, which leave many people in fear of becoming a victim of cr
ime. Thankfully, there are not many violent crimes and the chance of becoming a victim is in reality low. There are positive and effective things which can be done in order to make yourself more confident, in more control and a little safer.
Most of the advice is common sense, but please take a few minutes to read this fact sheet and think about personal safety matters. In order to be able to act quickly and correctly, it is sensible to think now about what you would be able to do, just in case sometime in the future, you should find yourself faced with an incident.
At Home
* Make sure that your house, flat or business premises are secure.
* Always lock outside doors. If you think there is a prowler outside ‘phone ‘999’ and report the matter immediately to the Police.
* Draw your curtains after dark. Fit ‘timer’ plugs so that the lights come on when you are not at home.
* Always make sure that visitors are who they say they are before you allow them into your home. Always ask to see identity cards, if officials claim to be from the Police, Gas, Water or Electricity companies etc. Check authenticity by telephoning their local office; but remember, look it up in the phone book. Don’t let anyone stop you doing these things by claiming to be in a hurry.
* Don’t give your number or say your name when answering the telephone, simply say ‘Hello’.
* If a stranger calls never say that you are alone.
Out and About
* Stay alert. Awareness is your best self-defence. Know what and who is in front, to the back and to the sides of you at all times, especially when in an area you don’t know.
* Don’t take short cuts through dark alleys or across waste ground or potentially dangerous places.
* Walk facing on-coming traffic so that vehicles cannot stop behind you.
* Don’t hitch-hike or take a lift from strangers.
* Purchase a personal attack alarm. Keep it accessible and use it if you encounter trouble.
* Try to attract attention. Scream, shout and run away.
* On an empty bus, sit near to the driver or conductor.
* If you go out alone, especially after dark, arrange for a friend to give you a lift or use a taxi there and back.
* If you think you are being followed, cross the road. If you are still being followed, go quickly to the nearest place with people and call the police.
* If carrying a bag, hold it close to you with the opening towards you. If someone grabs it, let it go.
* Keep house/car keys in your pocket.
* Keep cheque books and cards apart.
* Don’t carry excessive amounts of cash or leave wallets/purses etc, where a thief could get them.
If Driving
* Plan your route beforehand, stay on main roads where possible and ensure you have enough fuel.
* Before embarking on a long trip, make sure your car is in good working order.
* Before you leave, tell the people at your destination when you expect to arrive.
* Have your keys ready when returning to your car.
* Don’t pick up hitch-hikers.
* In the event of a car breakdown, consider displaying a ‘HELP CALL POLICE’ sign.
* If you encounter problems, find a telephone. Remember to ensure that you have change or a ‘phone card prior to leaving.
Extra Advice for Children and Teenagers
* You have a right to be safe, no-one can take that away.
* Be sure you parents know where you are.
* Go out with friends and stay with them.
* If you are out and your lift or taxi does not turn up, telephone to find out why. Stay where you are untilyour lift arrives.
* Casual jobs: only consider those available from family and friends.
* Never take gifts or money from a stranger.
* Know how to make an emergency call and the quickest way out of the premises that you are in.
* If baby-sitting obtain a telephone number where you can call the child’s parent(s). Don’t let any strangers into the house. Don’t tell telephone callers that you are alone.
If you Witness an Accident
Think about everything you are witnessing (make notes if you can). Report it to the police. ‘Phone ‘999’ in an emergency. Remain until help arrives unless you are putting yourself at risk by doing so.
If you Are a Victim
Call the police immediately. It is vital to report quickly what has happened and you can do this in confidence. Don’t be afraid to contact the police, they need your help to track down the perpetrator as soon as possible to stop him/her claiming more victims. Remember it is not your fault, the victim is never to blame. Try to put down on paper a description of the culprit and the incident.
Further Information
Further and more comprehensive advice on personal safety issues can be obtained from the following publications :
* The Family Guide - Preventing crime together in Scotland
* Talking Sense - A guide to women’s safety
* Help Call Police - Sign
