Personal Safety

Out and About:

If you often walk home alone, get a personal attack alarm from your campus shop. Carry it in your hand so you can use it immediately.

Carry your house keys separate from your handbag or money and don't put any form of identity on your keys.

If you think you are being followed and you have checked by crossing the street, go to the nearest place where there are other people, a pub or house with lights on.

Do not go to an enclosed phone box, where you are isolating yourself.

If you take regular routes always try to vary them, keeping to well lit areas. Avoid wooded or secluded areas even if the alternative route is longer.

If you use a wheelchair, keep your valuables beside you rather that at the back of the chair.

If you use personal stereos remember you can't hear somebody approaching you because of the noise of traffic.

Always walk facing the oncoming traffic, this will avoid anyone pulling up behind you.

If a car stops, don't go close enough to be reached and if you are threatened, scream, shout and set off your personal attack alarm to draw attention to yourself. Run in the opposite direction to the way the car is facing as this will give you vital seconds and make it more difficult for the car to follow. If you can make a mental note of as many details as possible, this would be a good idea.

Try to refrain from using your mobile phone in the street!