Personal Security

Firstly we would like to reassure you, the chances of being attacked on a street may be compared with the odds of winning the lottery, it really is a very rare occurrence. There are some very simple steps you can take to reduce even further, the possibility of it happening to you.'

Getting Home
If you find yourself trying to get home alone at night take precautions. It is always sensible to arrange a lift home. If you have to get a taxi always try to use the same firm whenever possible. If you can, try to confirm the name of the driver who will be picking you up or provide a code word for identification purposes. If you are travelling on public transport try to sit near to the driver, avoiding an empty upper deck on buses and vacant compartments on trains.

Walking Home
If there is no choice but to walk home alone at night, take the advice your parents gave you when you were younger. Walk in the centre of the pavement, avoiding short cuts through dimly lit and deserted areas. It is wiser to face oncoming traffic to avoid the surprise of a vehicle approaching you from behind. It's also rather difficult for a motorist to pester you if he has to do it in reverse gear.

If you suspect that you are being followed, cross the street several times if necessary, if it continues walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on someone's door.

Include personal attack alarms in your pocket or in an easily accessible place. For further information on these alarms contact our Community Safety Officer on telephone number 01270 769472 or if you wish to purchase an alarm these are available through all the Councils Information Offices.

f you are carrying a shoulder bag, keep it positioned so that the flap is facing into you with the strap firmly over your arm and head, rather than it being draped over an arm. This simple step could reduce the chances of your bag being stolen.

Driving Alone
Make sure that your car is up to the journey, check your vehicle according to the drivers manual including your spare tyre, make sure that it's not flat. Plan your journey and use maps. Ideally you don’t want to be stopping in unfamiliar areas asking directions from strangers. Tell the person you're visiting when you expect to arrive and if necessary keep them updated. Consider joining a breakdown recovery service.

Also consider taking a bag of survival items in the boot, out of sight, this should contain the following items:

	A torch with fresh batteries.
	Jump leads.
	An approved fuel can filled with fuel.
	Waterproof clothing for changing a tyre in inclement weather.
	A fluorescent sign 'Help call the police' for putting in the window (available from car spares shops.)

Finally, a current trend in some inner city areas is for thieves to open the passenger door of your car while you are stuck in traffic and steal a handbag or other item. So consider locking your doors and windows if faced with a similar situation. In a traffic jam consider stopping far enough from the car in front so that you can see the other vehicle's wheels. This way you can pull out in an emergency and get away!