10
Following on from yesterday’s advice on going out for the night and getting home safely, we continue the theme with getting home safely by public transport or on foot.
Night bus*
- Know where you are going and which stop you need. Check departure times, especially of last buses.
- Try and have your ticket, pass or change ready in your hand so your purse or wallet is out of sight.
- Wait for a bus or train in a well-lit place near other people whenever possible.
- Carry extra money in case you get stranded and need to take another bus, train or cab.
By Train – travelling alone
- Plan Ahead. How long is the journey? Do you have to change? Will it be dark when you arrive and will there still be people about?
- Have information with you of the times of the trains, particularly of the last train. When you get to your destination station will you need a bus? Have you got the telephone number of a reliable taxi or mini-cab company?
- Travel in a group whenever possible
- Arrange to be met, especially if it will be late when you arrive
- Keep your valuables out of sight
- Be aware of your surroundings, people near to you and places you could go if you needed help
- Try to travel near to the driver or guard and inform him you are alone. When waiting to depart do not walk or wait in dark areas. At your destination be as close to your station exit as possible
- If approached do not get engaged in conversation with strangers
- Do not get into a left or carriage with a single male occupant and avoid in all male group
- Beware single compartment trains where you could feel trapped
- If someone enters your carriage who you feel may cause you problems leave at once by another door
- Be sure you know where the communication cords are and remember help can arrive more quickly if pulled when the train is in the station
- If someone pesters you complain to the guard or another member of staff. Do not be afraid to ask for help
- If you are attacked make as much noise as possible to bring help
Walking*
- Whenever possible, stick to well-lit, busy areas where you can be clearly seen and where you can clearly see other people.
- Never be tempted to take a risky short cut e.g. through a quiet section of the park or down a deserted alleyway.
- You need to stay alert to your surroundings at all times because the sooner you become aware of potential danger, the easier it is to avoid it.
- Think about carrying a personal alarm with you, which can be used to disorientate and shock an attacker.
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Carrying a mobile phone is also a good idea in case of emergencies but keep it concealed and only use it when you have to.
Always act on your instincts – if something looks or feels wrong it probably is, so don’t wait for your fears to be confirmed, get away from the situation as quickly as possible.
*taken from Suzy Lamplugh website
Your Safer Neighbourhood Team:
PS Lee ROGERSON
PC Elaine BROWN PC Louise VICKERS
PCSO Dan BEALL PCSO Will HUGHES
PCSO Gary McKEOWN PCSO Maria COZMA
You can contact the team on 020 8721 2724 or mertongraveney.SNT@met.police.uk
To report Crime please remember to call 999 if there is a crime happening ‘now’ or the new non-emergency number 101 if it has already happened.
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