Stay safe in public places

• Keep your phone, purse or wallet, camera, or headphones out of sight, such as in an inside pocket. Consider separating a small amount of cash or a bank card from your main wallet.
• Avoid putting your mobile phone or wallet in your back pocket where it is visible. Here you are less likely to notice it being taken.
• Do not leave bags or valuables unattended - even briefly. Bags left in shopping trolleys can be the perfect target for thieves.
• Do not hang bags on the back of a chair or tucked underneath a chair or table where you cannot see them.
• Stay alert when people approach you in a public place like a café. Thieves may ask for directions and use the cover of a map or a newspaper to take valuables from your table.
• You can register your property on the Immobilise website. This is a free registration service that allows you to record ownership details of your valued possessions.

• Before you go out, consider how you will get home. Can you travel with a friend?  What time does the last bus or train leave?
• Consider sharing your live location with a trusted friend or family member and let them know where you are going and who you are meeting.
• Look out for your friends and peers while out. Make sure they are OK and call out and report inappropriate behaviour – if it feels safe to do so.
• You can discreetly report sexual harassment to venue staff by asking for “Angela”. Find out more about the Ask for Angela scheme on their website.
• If you feel unsafe or vulnerable, speak to venue staff or a police officer on patrol.
• If you are concerned about drink or drug spiking, you can make a report to the police.

• Let someone know where you are going and for how long.
• Plan your route before you set off. Try to stay in well-lit areas and use familiar routes, if possible.
• Carry a small amount of cash or your bank card, so you can get home if you need to.
• Never hitchhike.
• If you regularly go walking or running, consider varying your route.
• If you listen to music or podcasts while out, consider using just one earphone to ensure you can hear any changes in your surroundings.
• Keep your bag close to your body and your valuables covered to deter opportunist thieves.
• If someone attempts to take something from you, consider letting them have it rather than risk getting hurt.
• In the dark, wear reflective clothing and consider carrying a torch – a head torch is a hands-free option.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic – for road safety, and to prevent a vehicle from pulling up behind you.
• If you feel uncomfortable or at risk, seek a place of safety such as a shop or anywhere where there are other people. Tell someone what is happening or has happened.
• If you are attacked, shout for help as loudly as you can or shout for someone to contact the police. Try to get to a safe place and call the police.
• Consider carrying a personal attack alarm. This is designed to shock and distract an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away.
• If you have felt unsafe in your local area due to anti-social behaviour or a lack of street lighting at night, you can report issues via StreetSafe. This is not for reporting crimes – in these instances, call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

• Always plan your journey and let someone know where you are going and for how long.
• While waiting for a bus or a train, stand in a well-lit place near other people.
• Consider sitting near the driver or other people and avoid empty carriages or empty top decks.
• If you feel uncomfortable or are being harassed, tell the guard or driver, or call the police.
• Keep your belongings near to you.
• Do not leave your possessions unattended – even if you are only going to the buffet carriage for a few minutes.

British Transport Police

If you feel unsafe or need assistance from police while travelling on the rail network, you can contact British Transport Police by:

• phone – call 0800 405040
• text – text 61016
• online – visit the British Transport Police website

• Always use a licensed taxi or a private hire vehicle. Avoid using unlicensed drivers as they are not vetted or insured to take you.
• If you order a private hire vehicle through a ‘taxi company’, make sure you get into the right vehicle. The driver will know and should check your name and destination.
• Licensed vehicles will have a ‘taxi’ plate on the back, displaying the vehicle’s details and expiry date. It is worth taking a photo of the plate before getting in, in case there is a problem later.
• The driver will display a badge that shows their photo, name and expiry date. If in doubt, ask to see it.
• Always sit in the rear of the vehicle.
• If you want to make a comment about the journey, contact the Council that licenses the vehicle.

If you think a crime has been committed:

• call 999 - if the crime is still happening or somebody is at risk of harm
• email taxis@avonandsomerset.police.uk - if the crime has already happened