Walking
- When you go out tell people what time you are expecting to get back and where/how they can contact you.
- Avoid walking alone after dark - arrange with a parent or trusted adult to pick you up at a given time - even if this reduces your street cred!!.
- If you have to walk home after dark, keep to busy well lit roads.
- Give the impression that you are not a soft target by looking and acting confidently and with a focus on what you are doing. This may discourage someone from thinking you are a soft target.
- Don't take short-cuts through dark alleyways, parks or waste ground.
- If you go cycling or jogging on a regular basis then vary your route so that people can not predict where you are going.
- Walkmans and MP3s are great company when out alone, however they do not allow you to hear anyone approaching you - so be careful.
- Never hitch for a ride or accept a lift from a stranger that has stopped to offer to take you home.
- If you feel that you are being followed while walking home, cross the road a number of times and if the feeling persists head for a busy public place or lighted house. Ask for help or call the police - try not to call from a public phone box as you may become trapped there.
- Carry a personal attack alarm and keep it to hand so that you can use it at a moments notice. If you have a bag keep this close to you but if someone tries to take it off you do not struggle - let them have it - it is replaceable.
- Keep your house keys in your pocket for easy access to that you can get into you house quickly should the need arise.
- Don't keep all your valuables in one place.
- If in trouble, shout FIRE as this often attracts more attention then help.
- If you are attacked for your mobile phone or money, it may be better to just hand the items over and not to struggle. Is it worth the danger of serious injury over a mobile phone or some money?
