Keeping safe in public places

Out and about

Everyone should be able to walk anywhere without compromising their personal safety. People walk out and about every day without encountering any dangers, but there can be times, locations or circumstances when there are concerns. Being aware of, and observing, safety precautions will reduce risks to your personal safety. This is a series of guidelines prepared by the Police Community Relations Section in consultation with various community groups. While presented with the safety of women in mind, these suggestions can apply to any person.

Street safety

Be aware and take notice of what's around you when out walking. Stick to areas that have other people around, and that are well lit at night. Avoid vacant blocks, parks or shortcuts through alleys or waste ground, and do not walk close to arcade entrances or areas where a person might be hiding.

Body language is important. A person who is confident, walking upright and briskly, is less likely to become a victim. There may be times when it's best not to walk through a group of people. Cross the road to avoid contact.

Preplan a lift or a taxi rather than walking alone at night. If you feel uncomfortable in a situation, take steps to keep yourself safe.

Consider:

Covering up expensive jewellery when walking
Keeping your house and car keys separate in case your handbag is snatched
Carrying a personal alarm or cellphone
Telling family, friends or colleagues of your plans.

If you think you are being followed..

cross the street more than once if necessary
vary your pace and change direction
go as quickly as possible to the nearest place where there will be other people such as a service station, fast food outlet, or house with lights on
call 111 and ask for the Police immediately.

If you are confronted

There is no set way to respond as every situation is different. A person may first talk to you to lull you into a false sense of security, then try to intimidate and frighten you into submission, before attacking. Your positive actions in the first few moments of any confrontation are the most important.

Display a confident manner, hold your head up, pull your shoulders back, stand tall. Use words like No, Stop, Leave me alone. Talk loudly and assertively. Be prepared to physically defend yourself. You are allowed to use force and hurt your attacker in self defence.

The most vulnerable parts are eyes, nose and genital area. Scratching an attacker's face can help identification later on. Be prepared to use items you are carrying to defend yourself with, such as your handbag, briefcase or umbrella.

Keep making lots of noise to attract attention to yourself. As soon as you can, go to a safe place and dial 111 and ask for the Police.

Jogging and walking

Vary your route and the time you go out to avoid a planned attack. It is generally safer to walk and jog in daylight, keeping away from isolated areas. Run against the traffic so you can see approaching vehicles. Be aware of cars slowing down near you.

If someone in a car stops to ask you a question, stand far enough away to avoid being grabbed. If a driver or passenger appears threatening, depart in the opposite direction the car is facing. If you have been threatened, memorise the description of the driver, car and registration number, and report it to the Police.

Consider the fact that using headphones when out jogging or walking will lower your awareness of the surroundings.

Using a public telephone

Stand in a position that you can see anyone approaching. In a threatening situation consider holding the handpiece, and telling anyone approaching that the Police have been called.

Be prepared to jam the door closed, if there is one, or stand in a defensive position with your back to the wall. In an emergency dial 111, which is free.

Using public toilets

Think about the safety awareness if using a public toilet in an isolated location.

Before entering, first check that there are no persons loitering nearby who might follow you inside. If you see someone inside who makes you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately and go to a place where you feel safe.

If you are with a companion, you can ask that person to wait close by. Consider, where possible, only using public toilets where there are plenty of people around.

Using automatic teller machines

Don't approach any machine at a time and location that makes you feel uncomfortable, especially if you see anyone loitering nearby. It is safer to make your transactions during the day. If it is necessary to use a machine at night, a well lit location with people around is desirable. When withdrawing money, be aware of people watching you and shield your pin number. Make small cash withdrawals if possible and put your money away quickly.

Using elevators/lifts

Do not enter a lift if it contains a group of rowdy or intoxicated people, or anyone who appears intimidating.

If you are alone in a lift and someone enters whom you feel uncomfortable about, leave before the door closes if you can, or get off at the next level. If you feel unsafe in a lift, stand where you can reach an alarm button if required.

Be aware of other people leaving the lift at the same time as you. If you believe someone is following you, think about your options:

go back to the lift to use the alarm button or to go to another level
go to a place where there are other people
go to a reception area
call a security guard or other assistance.

Pubs, clubs and parties

If you use drugs or drink more than a moderate level of alcohol it will lower your awareness and increase your vulnerability. Your instincts, perceptions and ability to be in control and react to a situation can be affected.

Potentially unsafe situations are:

leaving with a person you have just met
accepting a lift from a stranger
walking home alone
driving when under the influence.

Other people under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also pose a threat to your safety:

warning signs may be pushy, rude, aggressive or over-familiar behaviour
your drink could be spiked
it's safer to go out with a friend or in a group
arrange a designated driver or a taxi
a well-managed venue will have staff for screening troublemakers.

Being observant ON YOUR FEET - Keeps you safer ON THE STREET

More safety tips...