Out and About

Taking a few extra precautions whilst you are out and about can help avoid unnecessary attacks. A simple thing such as making sure your car doors are locked while you are travelling can prevent someone from jumping inside.

In the street

• If you carry a handbag, keep it close to your body at all times. If you use a wallet, keep it in an inside jacket pocket, or front pocket. Try not to carry more cash than you will need.
• If someone does attempt to snatch it from you, don’t unnecessarily fight or resist them. No amount of money is worth the risk of personal injury.
• If you use public transport, follow the timetables so you do not have to wait an extended time at either a station or bus stop.
• On the train, choose a seat near the guard compartment. On a bus, sit near the driver.
• Walk with other commuters whenever you can, along roads with footpaths, pedestrian crossings, refuges and traffic lights.
• Avoid crossing the road from between parked cars, or from in front of a bus, as they can make it difficult for other drivers to see you.
• Avoid walking in isolated places at night. If you must, wear something light coloured and carry a torch.
• Consider carrying a personal alarm to attract attention if you are attacked.
• If you think you are being followed while you are walking, turn to see if someone is there, instead of being caught by surprise. Walk into the nearest shop or office where there are other people around and advise someone that you think you are being followed.
• If someone does attempt to grab you, yell "fire" loudly as this may help attract more attention than just crying, "help".
• If you withdraw money from an ATM, select a machine in a well populated and well lit area. Put your money in your purse or wallet before you walk away from the machine.
• If a friend or taxi driver takes you home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside.

• Always lock your vehicle.
• Don't leave your keys in the ignition.
• Hide any valuables in the either the boot or the glove compartment.
• Seeing something valuable on a seat may tempt a thief to break-in to your car.
• Use as many anti-theft devices as you need to help you feel more secure such as steering wheel lock, locking wheel nuts, a car alarm or an engine immobiliser.
• Avoid driving down deserted roads. If you do break down in an isolated spot, put your bonnet up, get back inside and keep your doors locked.
• Wait for an emergency vehicle or a roadside assistance vehicle to help you.
• Do not leave your vehicle to travel with strangers – even if it is a couple.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers!
• When parking in the street put the handbrake on and turn the steering wheel toward the kerb to lock the steering column.
• As you approach either your car or front door, have the key in your hand ready.
• Before you get into your car, check the back seat, and if you are travelling alone, close the windows and lock the doors.
• Do not place identification tags on your keys, advising your name and address.
• Consider a lockable fuel cap if you don’t already have one. As many offenders steal a vehicle for nothing more than a joy ride, they will be forced to abandon the car when it runs out of fuel.
• When you have your car repaired or leave it in a valet parking station, remove your house keys from your key ring to avoid the chance of them being copied.