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Sound advice for going out on the street or alone in your car.

The code to follow when you're out on the street

• If you often walk home in the dark, get a personal attack alarm.
• Self defence and safety awareness classes may help you feel more secure.
• Think what you would do if someone attacked you, could you fight back?

Think ...


• Where am I going?
• How am I getting there?
• How am I getting back?
• Am I prepared for changes?
• Have I let someone know where I am?


• If you have to wait at a bus stop choose one in a well lit area.
• If you're getting off a bus or train at night, get somebody to meet you.
• If you're travelling by taxi, arrange to travel with or pick up a friend on the way.
• Try to use registered, well known taxis.
• Book your taxi by phone for your return journey.

• Plan your route and avoid short-cuts through unlit or deserted areas. If you regularly walk alone, try to vary your route and time.
• Always take the routes you know best.
• Try not to overload yourself with packages.
• Whenever possible don't walk alone.
• If you are carrying a large sum of money, divide it up by putting it in your pockets or other parts of your clothing and some in your handbag.
• Put your cheque book and cards in separate places.
• Don't carry your keys in your handbag, put them in your pocket.
• Cover up expensive jewellery.
• Carry some extra change or a telephone chargecard in case you get stranded.
• Make sure you have with you the phone number of the taxi company you have booked.
• If you are attacked you may wish to use an umbrella, hairspray or keys to defend yourself.

• Be alert. Walk with purpose and confidence.
• Walk near the kerb and away from alleys and buildings. Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
• If you suspect that you are being followed, cross the street, go to the nearest home, service station or open business premises and call the police.
• Be sensible with your handbag, carry it with the clasp facing inwards.
• If someone grabs your handbag, do not resist, but shout for help.
• Avoid giving your name, address or place of employment to strangers.
• Try to keep both hands free and don't walk with your hands in your pockets.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.
• Keep your mind on the surroundings, "Walkmans" and radios will stop you hearing trouble approaching.
• If a vehicle pulls up next to you, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
• If someone threatens you shout for help.
• On buses and trains, always try to sit near the driver or guard or in a busy carriage.
• If you feel threatened on a bus or train, move seats, carriages or get off at the next stop. Make as much noise as possible and sound the emergency alarm if necessary.
• When your taxi arrives, ask the driver his name and company - ask what name he is expecting to collect.
• If your taxi does not arrive, do not accept a lift from an unlicensed mini-cab, phone your original taxi company.
• If you feel threatened in the taxi, ask the driver to stop and get out. If he refuses to stop, alert other drivers by waving out of the window.
• Have your keys ready so you can get in your house quickly.
• Always remember your voice is one of the best forms of defence.

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The code to follow when you're out in your car

• Look at a map before you leave and make notes. Plan your route using busy roads, avoid the need to stop and ask directions.
• Always have your car regularly serviced - make periodic checks on tyres / oil / water.
• Tell your family or a friend your route and estimated time of arrival.
• Try to travel in daylight and on main roads.
• You may consider obtaining a mobile phone if you travel regularly.

• Ensure you have sufficient petrol for your journey and consider carrying spare fuel in an approved container.
• Have in your car a torch, spare coins, phonecard, motoring organisation membership card, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, personal alarm, set of "Help Call Police" signs and a note of important phone numbers
• If you make regular or long journeys alone, especially in winter, carry a flask of hot drink, an emergency food supply (chocolate bar) and a blanket or car rug.

• Always lock your car when entering and leaving it.
• Look around before you leave your car.
• Avoid eye contact with other drivers at traffic lights or junctions.
• If you are followed home don't get out of your car. Ensure that it is locked, flash your lights and sound the horn to attract attention.
• In slow moving traffic, don't open windows more than an inch or two.
• Don't stop unless you really have to - then only at service areas, garages or in well populated areas.
• Never give lifts to hitch-hikers.
• At the end of your journey try to park in well lit open areas especially if you are returning to your car after dark. Take extra care in multi-storey car parks.
• Never leave items visible in your car such as coats, scarves cheque books, credit cards, cameras or other valuable items.
• When returning to your parked car have your keys ready for use - but always make a quick check of the car's interior before unlocking the door.
• If a car pulls out in front of you forcing you to stop, make sure the doors are locked, reverse as far as you can then turn on your hazard lights and sound your horn.
• If a car travels alongside at the same speed, slow down and let it pass and, if it persists, drive to a public place and phone for help.
• The safest way to help a stranded motorist is to stop at the next telephone and call for assistance.

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(Crime reduction advice is given free without the intention of creating a contract. Neither the Home Office nor the Police Service takes any legal responsibility for the advice given.)