There are a number of practical steps you can take to avoid putting yourself in a dangerous situation or to avoid becoming a victim of crime:

• Plan your journey or night out. 
• Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be home. 
• Think ahead - don't walk home alone at night. Arrange in advance to stay with a trusted friend. Pre-book a taxi. 
• When going to a pub, club or party, avoid going alone. Friends can watch out for each other. 
• Appoint a nominated drink watcher (your non-drinking driver?) 
• Alcohol does affect your actions and reactions, as well as your ability to be alert. Take care. 
• Stay aware of what is going on around you and away from situations you do not feel comfortable with. 
• Never accept a drink from anyone you do not completely trust. 
• Do not share or exchange drinks. 
• Don’t leave your drink unattended, even when going to the toilet. 
• Consider very carefully whether you should leave the pub, club or party with someone you have just met. 
• If you begin to feel really drunk after only a drink or two, seek help from a trusted friend, or a member of the club or pub management. It is important to get to a place of safety as soon as possible. 
• You must be sure you have absolute trust in the person you are asking for help, no matter how long you have known them. 

Keeping personal property safe 

Be careful where you keep your possessions when you are in public places. If something looks difficult to snatch, the opportunist thief may be put off. 

By taking these simple precautions you can help to safeguard your property: 

• Always keep your bag or briefcase with you where you can see or feel it - on your lap or between your feet. And don't hang bags over the backs of chairs. 
• Try to keep your keys separate from anything with your address on it. 
• Keep your cheque book in a different place to your cheque card. 
• Don't leave valuables in your jacket pockets or coat if you are likely to take it off. 
• Carry your handbag over your shoulder with the flap against you. In winter you can carry it under your coat. 
• Cover up expensive looking jewellery. Tuck chains and necklaces under your collar. 
• Don't leave your mobile phone exposed to view in an empty car - lock it out of sight. 
• If someone tries to snatch your bag - give it up rather than risk injury. 
  

Cash dispensers 

Handling cash in the street can be a risky business, but you can reduce the risk by following this advice: 

• Make sure no one can see you entering your personal identification number (P.I.N). 
• Be aware of anyone loitering nearby. 
• When possible, avoid using dispensers late at night or at other times when the streets are quiet. 
• If you are in doubt or at all suspicious, trust your instincts - don't use the dispenser and call the police. 
• If the cash dispenser looks as if it has been tampered with, do not use it and report it to the bank.