PERSONAL SAFETY & ROBBERY

1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when using a personal stereo, mobile phone or at cash points
2. Avoid short cuts and alleyways, stick to the busy routes
3. Both men and women should always get a licensed taxi or go home together late at night – don’t walk alone
4. If you think you're being followed on foot, cross a road and keep walking. If you still think you're being followed make for somewhere busy and well lit. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
5. Always keep sight of your valuables such as your bag and mobile phone. Don’t leave unattended on tables or hung on the back of chairs. Also keep your bag and wallet secure in busy places where you suspect pickpockets may operate.
6. You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas
7. Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are, where you are going and walk tall
8. You might like to spread your valuables around your body and keep your cards separate from your chequebooks. For example, keep your phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket
9. If someone tries to take something from you, it might be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury
10. If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair
11. 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

When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings

The police have produced a detailed document on personal safety, click here to download