Always plan your journey.

While waiting for a bus, metro or train, stand in a well-lit place near other people.

If you feel vulnerable, sit near the driver or other people. Avoid empty carriages or empty top decks.

If you are being pestered, tell the guard or driver, or call the police.

Keep your belongings near to you.

Do not leave laptops, mobile phones or bags unattended – even if you are only going to the buffet carriage or toilet.

Always use a registered taxi company, never use an unlicensed driver.

Carry the phone number of a taxi company you have used before and trust or use a black cab that clearly shows its registration details.

When the taxi arrives, check to see it is the one you ordered. If you used an online service you should have the driver’s name and vehicle registration number.

Always sit in the back and carry a mobile phone.

If you have a problem with the driver make a note of the number on the white plate inside the taxi, or the registration number and car’s make and report it to the police or local council.

Keep your phones, bags, purses, wallets, and tech out of sight when you can.

Do not leave your bag, phone, purses, or wallets unattended, even briefly. Bags left in shopping trolleys or phones on tables can be an easy target for thieves.

Do not hang bags containing your purse/wallet or other valuables on the backs of chairs or tucked under chairs where you cannot see them.

Watch out for people approaching you when sat at a table, say at a coffee shop. A common technique is to ask for directions and use the cover of a map or newspaper to take your valuables from the table.

Register your property on the Immobilise website.

Make sure you know your phone’s IMEI number in case it is lost or stolen – it will make life, and the potential of getting it back, much easier.

Switch on two-factor authentification or parental controls on your phone to make it harder to be ‘signed out’ of, if stolen

     In public places

Stay alert and act confidently.

Cover up jewellery, mobile phones and other tech and keep your bag close to your body.

Never hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers.

Before you go out, consider how you are going to get home, e.g. Can you travel home with a friend?  What time does the last bus/train leave? 

Prepare for your day before you leave – consider what you might need. 

Update someone on your plans. 

Consider carrying a personal attack alarm.

Consider allowing a trusted friend or relative access to an app that tracks your whereabouts, to allow others to know where you are.

Take sensible precautions if walking alone in the dark. For example, try to stick to well-lit busy streets and be vigilant.

Walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you.

If you regularly go walking or jogging, vary your route.

Avoid wearing headphones or using your mobile phone while walking or jogging.

When going to your car or home, have your keys ready at hand.

If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on a door. Then call the police.

If you are attacked, shout for help as loudly as you can or shout for someone to contact the police. Use your personal attack alarm. Try to get to a safe place and call the police.

If someone attempts to take something from you, consider letting them have it rather than risk being hurt.

Let someone know where you're going and for how long. 

Consider downloading a running tracker app on which a trusted family member or friend can trace your movements. 

Plan your route before-hand, taking into account whether it will be a busy or well lit area. 

Consider running with others if possible, or joining a running group.  

Consider carrying a personal alarm, to enable you to get away from an attacker by distracting and distracting them. 

Consider just having one earphone in to ensure you can hear any changes in your surroundings.  

If running when it is dark, consider carrying a torch - a head torch is a hands-free option and wear reflective clothing so that road users can see you. 

Carry a small amount of cash, or your card, to enable you to get home should you need to. 

If you feel uncomfortable, or at risk, seek a place of safety, such as a shop or anywhere where there are other people, and tell someone what is happening or has happened.