Personal Safety
Don't be afraid of the dark
The long winter nights can make us worry more about crime and personal safety. This is entirely natural. We all feel uneasy in the dark, but the truth is that crime has fallen over recent years.
Violent crimes by strangers in public places are rare and account for a very small part of recorded crime. The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low.
However, you can make yourself safer by taking a few sensible precautions. Many are common sense, and may be things that you already do. Making yourself safer doesn’t mean changing your entire lifestyle, personality or wardrobe, and it doesn’t mean never going out at all.
Think about how you would act in different situations before you are in them. Would you stay and defend yourself (using reasonable force), or would you give an attacker what they want to avoid injury? There is nothing wrong with doing either.
Thinking about what to do to protect ourselves helps make us safer – and makes us feel safer. Here are some more tips:
You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas.
Try to look and act 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. Keep your cards separate from your cheque books.
If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it, rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury.
Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop, or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing. If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair.
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.
When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings. Plan your route and don’t take short cuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground.
If you are going to be out late, try to arrange a lift home or book a taxi. Check that the taxi that arrives is the one you ordered. Always keep the number of a reliable firm handy. Sit behind the driver in the back seat. If you feel uneasy, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are plenty of people. If in any doubt, don’t get in the taxi.
Men can help women and the elderly feel safer on the street by thinking carefully about how their actions might be perceived. Walking closely behind a woman or a pensioner on their own may worry them – it is easy enough to cross the road to make it clear you are not following. Chatting to someone at a lonely bus stop may be innocent enough, but might seem scary if they don't know you mean no harm.
We all share a responsibility to take a stand against anti-social behaviour, working together to prevent the misery caused by a small number of people who intimidate and harass others. The best way to stamp it out is to report it to the relevant authorities and to work with them to identify the perpetrators.
The Government has created tough new powers for the courts , the police and local authorities to deal with this minority, and the police or your local council should help you find the best way forward. Reporting this type of thing can take courage – especially if you fear reprisals, but rest assured that supporting victims and witnesses of anti-social behaviour is the cornerstone of the Government’s approach.
You might also think about setting a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme, or join an existing one. Such schemes can make criminals think twice about operating in your area. The crime prevention officer at your local police station will be able to offer advice.
And others are on hand to help. Local councils have a responsibility to ensure that our communities are safe places to live and work. They can do basic things like fixing broken streetlights, or getting rid of the graffiti and litter that can make our neighbourhoods appear more threatening. They have also set up crime fighting partnerships in all parts of the country, bringing together everyone who has a role in cutting crime and disorder.
Your housing authority or landlord might be able to help sort out local nuisances – and could also help install security measures to make you feel safer in your home. Schools, park authorities and shopping centre managers will appreciate being told about local problems so that they can do something about them. And don't forget that in many areas Street Wardens and Community Support Officers are being recruited to help the police patrol our streets – with a specific responsibility to help tackle anti-social behaviour.
So don't be afraid of the dark. The true risk of being a victim of crime is very small. By taking a few simple steps you can be safer, feel safer and live your life the way you want to live it.
Last update: 08/12/2003