THINK FIRST - THINK SAFE
Everyone should feel safe when they’re out and about, looking after your personal safety means always ‘thinking first’ to avoid putting yourself, or others, in potentially dangerous situations.
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It’s also important we’re all mindful about how our behaviour could unintentionally make other people feel - we could be making other people feel uncomfortable without even realising it.
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Watch our short video below.
TOP TIPS TO KEEP SAFE
We all have a right to feel safe when we leave the house but at one time or another most people worry about their own safety – below you will find some hints and tips that will help you stay safe when out and about:
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Tell your somebody where you are going, who you are going with and what time you will be back. It’s also a good idea to leave a number that they can contact you on if they need to
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Make sure your mobile is charged
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Plan your route and make sure you know where you are going.
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Make sure you know how you will be getting home
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Try to stay with friends if you can
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Don’t take unsafe short cuts - always take public and lighted routes
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Be aware of what’s going on around you
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Keep your valuables hidden and keep your bag closed - an opportunist thief is more likely to see what you have and take it
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If someone tries to take your belongings from you by force, it may be best to give it to them and then report it. This will help you avoid getting injured
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If you think you are being followed, cross the road a few times to be sure then go to the nearest public place like a shop, garage, pub or restaurant and tell the staff you think you are being followed.
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Don’t walk home on your own (or let your friends walk home on their own)
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Never accept a lift from somebody you don’t know or have only just met
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Sit on the bottom of the bus near the driver and try to sit in a busy carriage on the train, not an empty one.
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If you use a taxi, try to use a firm that you know and trust and that you know is registered, pre-book the taxi where you can, find out the drivers name and check this before you get in. Always sit in the back seat if you are on your own
USEFUL LINKS & CONTACTS
REPORTING
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WEST MIDLANDS POLICE
Call 999 in an emergency. If it's too dangerous to speak press 55 when connected. Read the silent solutions guide. For all other matters please visit WMPolice Online
EMERGENCY SMS SERVICE FOR DEAF, HARD OF HEARING AND SPEECH IMPAIRED PEOPLE
In an emergency you can use your phone to contact the emergency services by texting 999.
You MUST register your mobile phone number before using this service. Just send the word ‘Register’ in a text message to the number 999 and follow the simple instructions you receive back.
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DUDLEY SAFE PLACES SCHEME
Safe places are locations in the community that anyone can go to if you need help when you’re out and about. There are many different safe places including leisure centres, cafes, charity shops and cinemas to name a few.
For more information visit https://www.dudleysafeandsound.org/safe-places
USEFUL LINKS
Visit our other helphub pages for information and useful links on other topics such as Stalking, Domestic Abuse, Hate Crime, Online Safety, Bullying, Violence Against Women and Girls and more https://www.dudleysafeandsound.org/help-hub
HOLLIE GUARD
A smartphone App that transforms smartphones into personal safety devices. Hollie Guard was developed by the Hollie Gazzard Trust to help people to stay safe and works on all major operating systems.
It is fully endorsed by Gloucestershire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Comissioner Gloucestershire.
visit https://hollieguard.com/
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SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust works to reduce the risk of violence and aggression through campaigning, education and support. Aiming for a society in which people are safer - and feel safer - from violence and aggression and able to live life to the full
https://www.suzylamplugh.org/Pages/Category/personal-safety-advice
GET SAFE ONLINE
When using or carrying your smartphone or tablet in a public place – whether outdoors or in a café, restaurant or in the office – there can be a number of risks if you do not take proper care
https://www.getsafeonline.org/smartphones-tablets/public-places/
VICTIM SUPPORT
Call 01384 241511 or www.victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat or visit www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support My Support Space is an online resource designed to help you manage the impact that crime has had on you www.mysupportspace.org.uk/MOJ
KOOTH
Free, safe and anonymous online support for young people https://kooth.com/
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IMMOBILISE
Register your personal items on the Immobilise database. If your phone, bike, computer or any other registered item is lost or stolen, use Immobilise to instantly tell police, insurers and the second-hand trade. These actions help greatly in the recovery of your property and capture of thieves. For more information and to register your property visit www.immobilise.com
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CRIMESTOPPERS
An independent charity helping law enforcement to locate criminals and help solve crimes. Contact anonymously 24/7, on 0800 555 111. Visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/
FEARLESS
Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality.
What makes this site different is it also provides a safe place to give information about crime - 100% anonymously. Visit https://www.fearless.org/en
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SECURED BY DESIGN
Secured by Design (SBD) is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.
DOCUMENTS & RESOURCES
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
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For educational resources and session plans please visit:
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