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Personal Safety

PERSONAL SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT

• Don't stand alone while waiting for a bus or train, especially at night. Stand with other people.
• If you're on a bus or train and it's nearly empty, sit near the bus driver or as close as possible to the guard's compartment.
• At the railway station, stand back from the edge of the platform. Avoid sitting near the exit door of the train as an attacker maybe able to grab your property and run before you can react.
• When disembarking from public transport, walk with other commuters.
• If travelling by taxi, once you've reached your destination, ask the driver to wait until you have safely entered.

REMEMBER: There's safety in numbers

USEFUL TIPS WHEN YOU ARE OUT AND ABOUT

• Avoid walking alone.
• Use caution when using elevators, isolated stairways, or toilet areas. Don't place yourself at risk.
• Plan the safest route to your destination and use it. Stick to the main roads as much as possible. Never hitchhike!
• Remain alert. Use your peripheral vision. Wearing headphones may decrease your awareness.
• If approached, maintain a comfortable distance while you answer questions or give directions. Never turn your back on someone who has approached you.
• Park in well lit and busy areas, particularly at night or if you expect to return to your car after dark. Have your keys ready to enter your car and lock all doors once you've entered.
• If you are going out late, try and arrange a lift home from a friend or a taxi. Get dropped off as close to your front door as possible.
• Avoid using ATM's in dark or isolated places.

PERSONAL SAFETY WHEN DRIVING 

• Plan the safest route to your destination and avoid isolated roads especially at night.
• Be alert when walking to your car and always have your keys ready.
• Lock your car once you're inside it. Keep your windows up when travelling alone.
• Keep your car in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.
• If your car breaks down, move the vehicle off the roadway if possible, raise the bonnet, activate the hazard lights and then lock yourself inside the vehicle. Wait for an emergency vehicle to offer assistance.
• If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest Police, Fire or Service Station for assistance. Don't drive home.

REMEMBER: Never hitchhike and never pick up hitchhikers

HANDBAG SNATCHING

• Keep your handbag in front of your body, avoid dangling it by your side from your hand or shoulder.
• Be aware of people coming from behind - even on motorbikes and cars.
• Never leave your bag on a shopping trolley - or at your feet or on the hook of the door in a public toilet - always keep it with you.
• When you put money in your handbag, don't let people see where you put it - especially when you are using an ATM.
• Be constantly aware of what valuables are in your bag - e.g., driver's licence and credit cards.
• If your bag is taken, immediately cancel any credit cards and change your house locks as soon as possible. Report the incident to the police.
• When packing groceries into your car, never leave your handbag on the boot or roof of your car. Thieves are watching and can easily grab your property.

REMEMBER: If confronted by somebody trying to take your bag, give it to them. No amount of money or inconvenience is worth serious injury.