Millions of people travel every day - very few become victims of crime. 

Fear of crime is as much of a problem as crime itself. 

There are many simple precautions you can take to increase your confidence and make it even less likely you will become a crime victim. 

Everyone is different - consider what is appropriate for you to travel safely. 

British Transport Police have put together this advice for travellers. 

Rail Travel 

• You are actually very safe when travelling by rail. Crime is not common and violent crime is rare (there is about 1 violent crime for every 220,000 passenger journeys). 
• Women are not usually the victims of violent crime. Most victims of assault and robbery are young men. 

Pickpockets 

• Pickpockets love crowds. Take precautions. Most pickpocketing is actually theft from bags, so keep bags to the front, closed and with the fastening towards the body. Be particularly careful with rucksacks. 
• Women, because they tend to carry more bags than men, are the pickpockets favourite targets, although wallets carried in back pockets are also attractive to this type of thief. 
• If your handbag has an interior zipped compartment, consider using it for cash and credit cards. 

Stranger in Town? 

• Some types of criminal, particularly pickpockets, target tourists. If you are a stranger in the area take particular care. 
• Try not to carry all your money/valuables with you. Remember that your map or camera may mark you out as a visitor. 

Crime Prevention 

• If subways, paths or other areas are badly lit, let rail staff know. 
• Many stations are now taking part in the Secure Stations Scheme. 
• Ask your station operator about it and write to the station operator about anything that concerns you. 
• Stay in sight of any closed circuit TV cameras. These are a deterrent to criminals. Although these cameras may not be monitored all the time, recordings can provide police with vital evidence. 
• Keep valuables especially jewellery out of sight, i.e. chains under clothing. 
• Keep luggage close at hand at all times and in sight if possible. Do not have your name or address visible on any tags. 
• Keep keys separate from anything with your address on it. 

Plan Ahead 

• You will feel more confident if you check train times and connections before travelling. 
• If you are travelling in a party, arrange a contact point in case you are separated. Make sure everyone knows who to contact and how to get in touch with them before you go. 
• If travelling alone, have a system for letting someone know you have arrived safely. 
• Carry a phone card, chargecard or change for the phone. 
• Know where you are going on arrival, get directions before you travel. 
• If you are being met, arrange a specific meeting point - many stations have several entrances and car parks. 
• If a large event is taking place near a station - a football match or concert for instance - that station and adjacent ones may become crowded. 
• In those circumstances, it is probably not a good idea to arrange to meet someone there. 

On the Move 

• Appear confident and look as if you know where you are going. 
• Be aware of what is going on around you. 
• A personal stereo or radio will reduce your ability to do this, as will drink, drugs or excessive tiredness. 
• Get into the habit of looking around you to see who is sitting where. You will look and feel more confident and be better able to assist police should anything happen. 
• If you have to wait, keep to well lit areas and, if possible, wait with other people. 
• Try to travel in the part of the train which will be most convenient when you arrive. 
• Avoid poorly lit paths, subways and alleyways. 
• If there is no alternative take extra care and consider carrying a personal alarm. 
• Consider what to wear when travelling. Sensible shoes and clothing allow freedom of movement and you can always change on arrival.
• Remember, loose clothing can get caught in moving doors. 
• Don't accept lifts from strangers. Use reputable taxis or minicabs only. 
• If you are reading a letter, be aware that other people can read it too. 
• Be aware of what you say during a conversation, you can give away personal information to anyone listening. 
• Where possible, remove or cover up ID tags and uniforms. 

On the train 

• Sit near other people in a busy carriage. If the carriage empties - move to a busier one or nearer staff. 
• If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, then move. Don't just sit there! 
• Make sure you know where the emergency alarm is located and don't be afraid to use it. Remember, help can be given more easily at a station. 
• Choose a seat next to the aisle or corridor. 

Cars 

• You don't want to return to find your car has been broken into or stolen. Take precautions. 
• Make sure it is locked, the windows are fully closed and that if you have an alarm fitted it is switched on. 
• Put any valuables or bags out of sight. 
• Leave your car in a well lit area as near the entrance as possible. Try to envisage what the area will be like in the dark and avoid secluded places. 
• If you are unhappy walking through a car park, try to get someone you recognise to walk with you. 
• If staff are available ask them to accompany you or watch you to your car. 
• Encourage your car park operator to take part in the Secured Car Park Scheme. 

Children 

Children travelling on their own can be the subject of unwelcome attention. It depends on the individual child and area, but we generally recommend that children under 10 should be accompanied. 

Young children travelling unsupervised to and from school are safer if they travel with friends. 

Prepare young children by telling them:  

• their route 
• the train times and details of any connections - write it down if necessary 
• travel where there are as many people as possible 
• how to behave on stations and trains - they can be dangerous places 
• stand back from the platform edge 
• never try to get on or off a moving train 
• don't run on platforms 
• mind the gap between the train and platform 
• don't lean out of windows 
• not to make too much noise and listen to announcements 
• not to touch an unattended bag or package, but to report it 
• not to talk to strangers 
• who to approach if they are in difficulty or lost 
• how to recognise rail staff and police 
• if there are escalators, stand on the right, don't run and hold on to the handrail 
• Remember that the connecting doors on London Underground trains are for emergency use only - it is unsafe to use them in other circumstances 
• Give them a phone card and more than one contact number. 
• If travelling with very young children consider using reins or other devices to keep them with you and put a note with a contact phone number in a secure pocket. Avoid names and addresses as they could be used for the wrong reasons.
  

If There is a Problem 

• Protect yourself first, your property can be replaced, your good health cannot. 
• Think first about getting away. 
• Fighting back should be a last resort. 
• Scream, make a noise and run to the nearest busy well lit place you can find. 
• If you see or hear someone in trouble or being harassed, don't ignore it. Raise the alarm - next time it could be you who needs help. 
• Personal alarms can give you time to escape should something happen. If you carry one, make sure it is handy. It won't help you at the bottom of a handbag or suitcase. 
• Report anything to the police as soon as you can. Every little bit of information really does help. 

The sooner something is reported, the sooner help can be given. Vital time and evidence can be gained from prompt action. Don't let embarrassment stop you. If you specifically want to speak to a male or female officer, that can be arranged. 

Advice appears courtesy of British Transport Police