Darker Nights

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust offers the following advice if you are out after dark:

• Plan ahead. Make sure you know where you are going and how to get there. If you are catching a bus or train, find out the times to avoid waiting for long periods at bus stops or stations. If you are planning to take a taxi or minicab home, then either book it before going out, or take the number of a licensed cab company with you.
• When walking, stick to busy well-lit streets whenever possible. Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks.
• If you do have to pass danger spots, think about what you would do if you felt threatened. The best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a garage or pub.
• Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them and whenever practical walk facing on coming traffic to avoid curb crawlers.
• Stay alert and keep your mind on your surroundings – remember if you are wearing headphones or chatting on a mobile phone, you will not hear trouble approaching.
• If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road turning and look to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening.
• Try not to keep all your valuables in one place. Instead place valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket or use a money belt.
• Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pockets.
• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you vital seconds to get away.