NED Community Safety Partnership

The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low. Violent crimes by strangers are still rare and account for a very small part of recorded crime.

However, by taking a few sensible precautions you can make yourself even less likely to be a victim - many are common sense and things you already do. We have listed some general points to follow to help keep you safe.

Out and About

You will be safest in busy, bright and well-lit areas.
Walk tall - act confident and try to look like you know where you are going.
Spread your valuables around you. You might keep your house keys in your trousers pocket, your phone in your bag and your money in your jacket for example.
Try to keep the valuables you are carrying out of sight.

In the unlikely event that you are confronted:

It may be better to let someone take something from you rather than get into a confrontation and risk injury.
Be aware that your attacker may be stronger than you if you decide to defend yourself. It is often better to just shout loudly and run away.
Shout ‘fire’ rather than ‘help’ as it can get more attention.

Theft and Robbery

Street robbery is generally known as mugging or bag snatching. Robbery is more likely to take place in quiet dark areas.

Pickpocketing is slightly different as you will not be aware that it is taking place. It happens where it is busy such as in a busy town centre.

Young men are the most likely victim of robbery and the attackers are typically other young men.

There are a few things you can do to help reduce the effects of theft it it does happen to you:

Record and keep in a safe place your registration number (IMEI) and your phone number. To get your IMEI number key in *#06# into most phone or by looking behind the battery.
Stay alert. When you are out be aware of your surroundings and don’t use your phone in crowded areas or where you might feel unsafe.
Keep your credit cards separate from your cheque book, if you have one.
Call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible if your cards are stolen.
Report your number to your network and police if your mobile phone is stolen. The handset can be barred from all networks.

At Home

Securing your property will make you safer in your home, and make your home and belongings safer while you are out. The following guidelines will help in the unlikely event that you come across someone in your house

Intruders - only you can decide how to deal with the situation if you think you have an intruder - you might not be thinking clearly in a real incident so think about what you might do now.

You could keep quiet and hope they don’t come into your room or make a noise and hope it scares them away.

Keep a phone in your bedroom so you can raise the alarm.

Generally, it is best not to confront a burglar.

Interrupting burglars

If you come home and find lights on or a broken window and you think there may be a burglar inside, don't go into the house. Go to a neighbour’s house and call the police or ring the doorbell – anyone who should be in will come to the door whereas an intruder is likely to run away.

For further information and advice, visit the Home Office website.