Where possible, don’t walk to your car in the dark on your own. Try to walk with colleagues or leave at a time when there are a lot of people around.  Wherever possible, stay in well-lit, busy areas and walk with purpose and direction – most crimes are opportunistic, so don’t give anyone cause to target you.

If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action.  If possible, turn to see who is behind you, by crossing the road etc. If you are still being followed, keep moving.  Head to a busy area and tell people what is happening.  If necessary, call the police.  Have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your mobile phone, so that you can access them easily in an emergency.

Unless it is an emergency, don’t get you phone out as it makes you and your phone easy targets for thieves.  Also talking or texting on the phone can make you less aware of what is going on around you.  Be mindful that if you have headphones to listen to music or are on the phone, you may be less able to hear what is going on around you, so this is best avoided if you are walking in the dark, especially in quiet areas.

If you know you are going to be at work late (after 5pm) and are parked in a car park that is a long way from the building – move your car nearer to the building when you know people will still be around.

Don’t keep all your belongings in one bag. Spread your personal belongings around – so if the worst happens you don’t have to give up everything.  That said, don’t be over protective of your belongings. You can get a new phone or order new bank cards, – your priority should always be your own safety.

Have your keys ready in your hand, rather than getting to your car and then having to stand around rummaging in your bag or pockets; and when you do arrive at your car, do a quick check of your back seats and lock your doors as soon as you are inside.

Plan your route in advance using an up-to-date map or satellite navigation system so you don’t have to stop and ask for directions.

Keep your doors locked whilst in slow or stationary traffic, especially if you have bags in the car.  Keep valuables out of sight, locked in the boot of the car or in your glove box.  Keep your mobile phone somewhere you can access it without getting out of your car, such as in your glove box, so that in an emergency, you can use it to make a call.

Never pick up hitchhikers or anyone else that you don’t know.

If another car seems to be following you, don’t drive home.  Keep driving, see if you can obtain the registration number of the vehicle and drive to a police station or busy place.  If necessary, call the police.

To avoid becoming a victim of road rage, don’t overreact to another driver’s error, bad driving or poor attitude.  They may not be aware of what they’ve done; just try to stay away from them and concentrate on driving.

Lock the vehicle when you leave it, even if it’s just for a few seconds.

If you are going to get a taxi, use a reputable, licensed company and book in advanced whenever possible.

Never accept a lift from a minicab touting for trade on the street.

Always sit in the back of a taxi, don’t tell them any personal details.  If at any point you feel uneasy with the driver, ask them to stop at a busy, familiar place and get out.

Always wait for buses and trains in a well-lit place, near other people if possible, and arrange for someone to meet you at the bus stop or station at the other end if you can.  When on a bus/train, try to sit near the emergency alarms, or at least make a mental note of where they are.  If a bus is empty or it is after dark, sit on the lower deck as near as possible to the driver.

On trains, avoid empty compartments or compartments that have no access to corridors or other parts of the train.  If you feel threatened on any public transport, press the alarm and/or make as much noise as possible to attract the attention of your fellow passengers or the driver or guard.