Avon and Somerset (Robbery Victim Study & Action Plan)
GUIDE TO BRISTOL ANTI ROBBERY STRATEGY
Avon and Somerset Police have looked very closely at the profiles of victims of
robbery throughout their area. They have identified hotspot areas and focused on those
individuals most likely to become a victim of robbery. A brief extract of guidance
and information provided on their website is shown below,
Website address www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
ROBBERY
Research carried out within the area recently showed robbery on young men - particularly
within the Stokes Croft area of central Bristol (near the Lakota and Blue Mountain
nightclubs) - to be on the increase.
In over half the cases the men were students who had just obtained money from a
cash machine. Be aware of your surroundings and stay in groups wherever possible.
It is better to spend £5.00 taking a taxi home than it is to walk and have your wallet
nicked.
STUDENT ADVICE
As a student, you make up one of over 60,000 in the force area, making you a significant
section within the community. Your time at University in the South West will no doubt
be full of fun and frolics - but unfortunately there are still people who see you
as vulnerable.
Every year we see students being either assaulted or robbed, or suffering from
burglary or car theft. Often these crimes could have been avoided if the victims had
been more aware of the risks, and tactics for cutting down those risks significantly.
So, spend a little more time on the Internet now, and browse through the information
contained on our site to reduce the risk to yourself.
PERSONAL SAFETY ADVICE
Violence is not as prevalent as the media might suggest. Statistically you are
still more likely to be subject of violence from someone you know than from a stranger
on the street.
Fear of attack is often far greater than the actual risk but there are simple measures,
which everyone can take to help protect themselves. Make yourself aware and responsible
for your personal safety - keep yourself safe.
Personal Safety isn't just a
women's issue - evidence suggests that "stranger" violence affects men more than women.
There are, however, simple measures, which everyone can adopt to help protect themselves.
Be "StreetWise" when walking and jogging
Never hitchhike
Don't walk or jog alone where it can be avoided, especially after dark
Avoid short cuts and deserted areas; try to keep to well-lit busy streets
After dark avoid large bushes or dark areas where someone could hide
Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid using personal stereos or radios -
you might not hear trouble approaching
Don't wear a lot of jewellery, no matter how inexpensive, a potential thief
might not be able to see the difference
Carry your bag close to your body, if possible with the opening towards your
body. Try not to overload yourself with items
If you are out and about always keep your briefcase or bag in view
Don't be flash with your cash or mobile phones. Keep their use discreet and
put them away after use. Don't carry them in an obvious manner
Have your keys at hand and easily accessible
Consider carrying a personal
attack alarm.
Make sure that you have a phone card or change to make a phone call, but remember
- emergency 999 calls are free of charge.
A more detailed account of the Avon and Somerset approach can be obtained by contacting
PC Clive Thomas at Trinity Road Police Station, Bristol on 0117 927 7777 ext 5719
|
