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Top ten tips to protect yourself

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Staying safe when out and about

Walking home

If you often walk home alone in the dark, get a personal attack alarm from a DIY store or ask your local crime prevention officer where you can buy one. Carry it in your hand so you can use it immediately to scare off an attacker. Make sure it is designed to continue sounding if it is dropped or falls to the ground.

Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Carry your house keys in your pocket. If someone grabs your bag, let it go. Remember your safety is more important than your property.

Don't take shortcuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground. Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.

If you regularly go jogging or cycling, try to vary your route and time. Stick to well-lit roads with pavements. On commons and parklands, keep to main paths and open spaces where you can see and be seen by other people - avoid wooded areas. If you wear a personal stereo, remember that you can't hear traffic, or somebody approaching behind you.

Don't hitch-hike or take lifts from strangers.

Cover up expensive-looking jewellery.

If you feel threatened

If you think someone is following you, check by crossing the street - more than once if necessary - to see if he follows. If you are still worried, get to the nearest place where there are other people - a pub or anywhere with a lot of lights on - and call the police. Avoid using an enclosed phone box in the street, as the attacker could trap you inside.

If a car stops and you are threatened, scream and shout, and set off your personal attack alarm if you have one. Get away as quickly as you can. This will gain you vital seconds and make it more difficult for the car driver to follow. If you can, make a mental note of the number and description of the car. Write down details as soon as possible afterwards.

Self-defence and safety awareness classes may help you to feel more secure. Ask your local police or your work if they have classes.

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