With the recent increase of crime, muggings and burglaries around the country, we have put together a list of safety tips to be aware of if you are out and about a lot, particularly at night. We know most of you are more than capable of taking care of yourselves, but it never hurts to be reminded…
1. Awareness
It could be deemed as paranoia but as the saying goes, better safe than sorry. Be aware of your surroundings, where you are, if you know the area or not and if there are people around you. It’s a given not to walk around dangerous deserted areas but a little extra precaution can go a long way.
2. Sixth Sense
No, we’re not really suggesting you employ Bruce Willis to follow you around, however if that is an option, do work away! Trust your instincts. If you are getting a tingly feeling at the back of your neck or you don’t feel safe, that’s for a reason. Get the hell out of there!
3. Try not to have your phone out
Carrying a phone out in the open can act as an advertisement to a potential thief, just wait until you are in a safe area to check messages or make calls. On top of that, if you’re on the phone chatting while walking, you are definitely less aware of your surroundings.
4. Carry something to deter
Deodorant, keys, anything to deter a potential attacker should definitely be in your handbag or pocket. A lot of the time, if you prove you could be a hassle, the attacker or thief won’t push it. You will become more of a problem than it might be worth. The other party will want to make a quick escape, anything that prevents that will work in your favour.
5. Home Alone
Your partner is gone away or your housemates have left for the evening so you are essentially at home alone. You might be freaked out enough already! However, be wary of answering the door when you are in the house by yourself. A growing number of burglaries and attacks are in the home, someone knocks on the door and when the person answers, they can force their way in. It’s not exactly the Ireland of old anymore when the door was left open for whoever wanted to come in.
6. Hotel Rooms
Every hotel room door is equipped with a dead bolt lock. Closing the room door can often not be enough; staff can still have access to the room or potentially anyone who gains access to hotel room keys. In larger hotels, the number of master keys is less regulated due to the large volume of staff. Just make sure to dead bolt the door before your blissful slumber.
7. Car-Jacking
We are becoming more aware as a society that being in your car is not necessarily safe either. This falls under the “be aware” point too; make sure your windows are up and doors locked when leaving the car. Keep your doors locked in the car too! A huge amount of women have reported their bags or phones being stolen from the front seat of their cars, particularly when stopped at traffic lights.
8. Use your knowledge
Don’t take chances, if you know an area is unsafe, don’t go through there. Also, if it is late at night, get a taxi. Don’t walk. An extra few quid is nothing compared to what could be a traumatic event.
9. Body Language
Literally ‘walk the walk’. If you walk with your head held high with purpose and a no nonsense attitude. If you look like you know where you’re going and what you’re doing, you will be less of a target for people aiming for disorientated tourists.
10. Ask for help
If somebody you know wants to walk you home, let them. If you do think you are being followed, ask for help, duck into a shop, tell a bouncer outside a pub on the way home. And there’s nothing wrong with screaming! Thieves or attackers don’t like attention to be drawn to them, use it to your advantage.
