Time out of the house is precious, but if you’re not careful, your property could be vulnerable to criminals. But there are steps you can take to help avoid being a victim of crime.
Try to pay using a card rather than carrying large amounts of cash and be careful when using a cashpoint or chip and pin – hide the keypad.
If you carry a handbag, bury your purse at the bottom, keep it with you and keep your handbag always zipped. If you use a wallet, keep it in your front pocket.
Don’t keep all your valuables in one place if you can help it, spread them out, use different pockets.
Stay alert when using your mobile, it’s very easy for someone to snatch it out of your hand. Use the security functions of your phone, pin codes and fingerprints and use a find my phone app.
If you are going out, plan your journey and ensure you have a safe means of getting home, book a taxi in advance. Be aware of what is going on around you and keep to well-lit areas and try to avoid wearing headphones.
Have your keys ready as you are approaching your home or your vehicle so that you aren’t fumbling around for them in a bag or coat.
Keep a personal alarm handy, it can be used to raise an alert should an attempt be made to take anything from you.
If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them have it, rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury.
If you think you are being followed, always trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving and head to a busy area and tell people what is happening, if necessary, call the police.