A new study into personal safety – which has been released by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust and Legal & General Insurance in conjunction with National Personal Safety Day (11th October)- has found that although less than half of us feel safe every time we walk out the door, we are failing to follow basic tips to keep ourselves safe.
Only 38% say they feel safe in their local area at all times, while nearly one in five say they never feel safe when they step outside the door. But it seems we are still taking unnecessary risks and failing to take simple precautions to keep ourselves safe, despite our fear.
Only half of all those surveyed say they stay alert to their surroundings when they are walking home by themselves, while only 40% stick to busy well lit streets wherever possible. Less than a third of people keep their valuables hidden and just a little over 20% tell other people where they are going and when they will be back, with even less planning how they are going to get to their destination and back before they leave. Furthermore, only 4% carry a personal safety alarm.
In response to these findings, Suzy Lamplugh Trust have launched their SIMPLE steps campaign for National Personal Safety Day, to let people know about some simple precautions they can take that will reduce the risks.
Ann Elledge, Director of Personal Safety at the Trust, says:
“The SIMPLE STEPS campaign aims to promote some easy, every-day precautions people can take to help avoid becoming a victim of violence or aggression on the streets. These steps can make a difference because it takes three things for an aggressive or violent incident to take place – a victim, a perpetrator and an opportunity. If we take the SIMPLE STEPS precautions, we can reduce the opportunities and therefore the risk of becoming a victim.”
Over 200 organisations around the country are supporting the campaign this year by giving out the campaign leaflets on the street; through doors; at events/displaying the posters around town/holding safety surgeries in shopping centres; libraries; transport hubs; community centres/giving safety talks in schools; to pensioners and so on. These organisations include 92 police teams across 22 police forces throughout England and Wales and 17 local council teams. The rest is made up of Neighbourhood Watch teams, schools, colleges, other charities and workplaces around the UK.
Graham Precey, Head of CSR, from sponsors of the study, Legal & General Insurance, says:
“As a household insurer, making sure that people and their possessions are safe is very important, whether they are at home or out and about. So we’re delighted to be supporting Suzy Lamplugh Trust’s National Personal Safety Day, raising awareness of such an important subject.
We’ve also recently launched a personal panic alarm application for the iPhone, which is free for all iPhone users in the UK to download at www.legalandgeneral.com/panicalarm. The panic alarm is easy to use and a simple way of making a call for help. Because it’s on their phone, people are less likely to forget it.”
For more information about National Personal Safety Day and the Simple Steps campaign visit www.suzylamplugh.org/simplesteps
SIMPLE STEPS Tips
Stay Alert – Remember, if you are wearing headphones or chatting on your mobile phone you will be distracted from your surroundings and will not hear trouble approaching.
Invest in a personal safety alarm – These can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you vital seconds to get away.
Make sure you avoid danger spots – Stick to busy, well lit streets whenever possible and avoid quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated parks or waste grounds. Take the safer route, even if it’s longer.
Plan Ahead – Know where you’re going and the best way to get there. Whenever possible, avoid long waiting times at bus stops and stations by checking the arrival times before leaving home.
Listen to your instincts – If you feel threatened, head for a safe place where there are lots of people, such as a pub, shop, garage etc.
Ensure you take the same precautions wherever you are – It’s natural to feel more relaxed and comfortable in your own neighbourhood than when you are in an unfamiliar area but it’s important not to get complacent about your personal safety when close to home.
