Personal Safety

Before Going Out

PREPARE and PLAN your journey

• Think about how you’re going to get there and back. Tell someone where you’re going, who you are going with and when you expect to return.
• Carry a charged mobile phone and a personal safety alarm.
• Carry emergency phone numbers (including the numbers to cancel your credit cards), some change and your keys in a safe pocket.
• Stick to busy places likely to be covered by CCTV and avoid dark or deserted areas.
• Avoid short cuts through dark places. Keep away from odd and out-of-the way places whenever you can.
• Try not to change plans at the last minute, but if you have to, tell someone.
• Only use licensed taxis or pre-booked minicabs.

For more information visit : www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/violence/stay-safe/

When In Public

Be AWARE of your surroundings and stay ALERT

• Avoid risks and be aware – keep looking and listening to what’s happening around you.
• Look confident – remember your body language – stand tall and look like you know where you’re going.
• Avoid people you don’t feel comfortable about and be aware of who’s around you.
• Walk in the middle of the pavement facing the traffic, so that cars can’t follow you.
• Trust your instincts – if you feel that something is wrong, avoid it.

For more information visit : www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-robbery/street-robbery/

Be aware of Pickpockets

You may have an idea of what a pickpocket looks like, but they’re far less likely to stand out in a crowd than you might think, since blending in is part of how they avoid being caught. Here’s how to spot a potential pickpocket and avoid losing your belongings to one.

• Observers – People loitering in public places who appear to be checking out passers-by, paying particular interest to their handbags, shopping bags and where they might place their wallet or purse.
• Opportunists – Pickpockets also operate in shops and department stores, where people are more likely to be standing still, distracted and so paying less attention to their belongings, making them an easier target.
• Team tactics – Pickpockets don’t always operate alone, they may work in teams to distract the target while someone unseen removes the items and blends back into the crowd. Pickpocket teams are adept at creating distractions. Try not to be easily distracted.
• Crowding in – Thieves vary their tactics based on the location and the density of the crowd. One tactic is where a group of them push up against a victim in a crowded shop or street then quickly reach into the victim’s pocket and steal their wallet, phone or purse.
• Dirty tricks – Remember, pickpockets are very skilled at what they do. One of their tactics is ‘hugger mugging’ where a thief will appear to be over-friendly for no particular reason.

For more information visit : www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/theft-from-a-person/pickpocketing/

Cash Machines / ATMs

• Look around before you use an ATM, see if anyone is standing close by.
• Check if the ATM looks normal or has been tampered with, if it doesn’t look right – don’t use it.
• Be aware of anyone near you and don’t be distracted while you are withdrawing the cash. Cover your hands as you PIN and watch your card.
• If someone taps you on the shoulder or tries to speak to you, ignore them.
• Put your card and cash away immediately.
• Keep any contactless cards in a RFID cover to prevent your card details against data theft.

For more information visit: www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-robbery/ATM-safety/

Mobile Phones

Safeguard your Mobile Phone and Tablet

• Don’t place your phone or tablet on tables in pubs or restaurants.
• When finished – put it away.
• When making a call, be aware of those around you.
• When you leave a station don’t use your phone immediately, wait a few minutes.
• Don’t walk and text at the same time, you will be less aware of what’s happening around you.
• Keep calls in public places as brief as possible, the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief.
• Make sure you have made a note of your mobile phone IMEI number (*#06#).
• Mobile phones, MP3 players and laptops are attractive to thieves, so be careful of where and what’s happening around you when you are using them.
• Install a tracking app, and use promptly if the phone is stolen.
• Property mark and register them with www.immobilise.com

For more information visit: www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/personal-robbery/protect-your-phone/

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