The following are our top tips for you to bear in mind when you are out and about. If you are on public transport, walking, or in your own car, there is some valuable advice to ensure that you are less likely to be a victim of crime.

Taxis

• Carry enough money for a taxi.
• Always use a known taxi firm or student transport if it is available.
• Don't flag mini-cabs down. Either call a cab company and ask for the driver's name so that you can check it before you get in or hail a black cab

Walking

• Don't feel daft asking a couple of mates to walk you home. It is preferable to feel a bit embarrassed than to find yourself in a threatening situation on your own.
• Look like you know where you are going even if you don't.
• Walk tall with your shoulders back and look alert, a confident stance is known to make a potential attacker think twice.
• Whether you are male or female it's a good idea to carry a personal attack alarm - your Students Union should be able to advise you on where to buy one. Keep it in your hand, not at the bottom of your bag, when walking.
• Keep valuables hidden away.
• Keep to well lit, busy roads and steer clear of short cuts, parks or isolated areas that you are not familiar with, even in daylight

Public Transport

• Avoid lonely bus stops
• Try and sit close to the driver where possible.
• Avoid empty top decks.
• Try and arrange for someone to meet you from the bus stop where possible.

In your car

• Don't give lifts to anyone you are not comfortable with - you are not a taxi service.
• Lock your doors, even during the day.
• Join a national breakdown service.
• If you break down, stay in your car if it is safe and call the police. If you don't have a mobile phone then try and remember where the last pay phone you saw was located and walk quickly to it.
• If you break down at night or in an isolated area and someone stops, stay inside your car and ask them to call for help. Do not feel that you have to get out of the car.
• When parking a car, use a well-lit area or a secure car park.