Personal Safety on the Streets

Wembley High Road
We all want to live our daily lives in safety. The world around us seems a dangerous place. We hear frightening stories, but the real danger to most of us is very small. Most violence happens between men under 30. There are plenty ways to make yourself safer without having to lock yourself away from the world. Never be afraid to live your life to the full.

Whatever you're going to do follow this advice from the Brent Community Safety Partnership. You will be safer, in control and more confident if you remember to PLAN ahead.

Prepare


    1. Always tell someone where you are going, with whom and when you will be back.

Look after your valuables

    • Keep your valuables such as purses, wallets, mobiles and ipods out of sight - don’t give criminals the opportunity to target you
    • Keep your bags fastened at all times and wear them diagonally across you and hold it to your front
    • If you’re using your mobile on your way home, call from inside the station then put your mobile away
    • If you’re using your mobile on your way home, call from inside the station then put your mobile away.
    • If you use a wheelchair, keep your valuables/ bags in front of you rather than hanging them on the back where thieves could dip into them

    Avoid risks and be aware of your surroundings

      • Stick to well-lit, main routes, look and listen to what’s happening around you
      • Do not withdraw large sums of money at one time, when using a cash point or collecting money from the bank/post office
      • Be aware of those around you, and if possible, ask a friend to go with you when you’re going to the bank or post office

    Never take safety for granted


    Your safety comes first, if someone approaches you demanding your belongings, it may be safer to let them take the items and leave rather than getting into a confrontation and risk injury

    Simple things you can do to help yourself stay safe will soon become second nature and you will be more likely to do the right thing if there's ever any trouble or danger.
    Some moresimple things to help you PLAN to stay safe:
    • Avoid shortcuts through Alleyways, Cemeteries, Canals, Rivers, Building Sites, Unlit Roads, Subways and Parks
    • Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothes that let you move easily
    • Keep looking and listening to what is happening around you
    • Keep one hand free - not shoved into your pocket or cluttered up with shopping
    • Carry some change in case you need to make a call
    • Try and look confident- Look like you know where you are going and walk tall
    • You might like to spread your valuables around your body. (For example: keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket pocket
    • If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let him or her take it rather than get into a confrontation and risk injury
    • You can use reasonable force in self-defence. You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying anyway (For example: keys or a can of deodorant), but you may not carry a weapon

    For more information: Phone the Suzy Lamplugh Trust information line on 020 8392 1839