Travelling to and from work placements - Protecting yourself
Travelling to and from work placements - Protecting yourself
When you're at home, out of the house or on holiday, it's important to protect yourself. Don't put yourself in situations where you could be at risk. Be alert, keep your home and belongings secure and always plan your journeys.
When you're at home, out of the house or on holiday, it's important to protect yourself. Don't put yourself in situations where you could be at risk. Be alert, keep your home and belongings secure and always plan your journeys.
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General advice on staying safe
General advice on staying safe
To stay safe when you're out:
be aware of what’s going on around you
don’t flash your valuables, mobile or money about
always plan your journey
If you’re withdrawing money from a cash machine, always notice what’s going on around you. Check the machine before you use it and always cover your hand when you’re entering your personal identification number (PIN).
Self-defence
Self-defence
If you see a crime is about to take place or you think that someone is going to commit a crime against you or your home, you should always try to contact the police or call for help before confronting any attacker or person committing a crime.
At home
At home
When you’re at home, lock doors, close windows and keep keys somewhere they can’t be reached from outside. Always check the ID of any callers you don’t know before answering the door.
While you want to do everything you can to protect your belongings, remember they can be replaced, you can’t. There are things you can do to increase the possibility of getting your things back if these are stolen.
Out and about on your own.
Out and about on your own.
If you’re out either during the day or at night, don’t put yourself at risk by drinking too much, going off alone, or leaving with someone you don’t know.
You should, always:
plan ahead
know how you’re getting home – book a taxi or ask a friend or family member to pick you up or know when public transport will be available. Ensure you have the amount needed incase your phone app doesn't work or your phone isn't charged for any reason.
charge your mobile and make sure you have enough credit to make calls
keep emergency numbers in your mobile or note them down incase a problem arises with your phone.
stay with your friends – agree a meeting place in case you get split up
stay away from dark streets and alleys – stick to busy areas with plenty of street lights
check on your friends - call or text them to make sure they're home safe
ensure that you have set some key times to keep in touch with a parent/guardian or other relative so they know there is a problem if you haven't made contact.
Carrying a personal alarm can also make you feel safer. When you turn it on, the alarm gives a high-pitched sound that can shock anyone that's attacking you. You can buy a personal alarm in DIY shops.
Getting about
Getting about
If you are travelling by yourself, getting a taxi or using public transport is much safer than walking. You should use your common sense to stay safe.
Walking
Walking
Whenever it’s possible, try and walk with someone else or a group of friends. You're less likely to be attacked or mugged if you're with other people.
If you are walking alone, always be aware of what's going on around you. Stay in busy areas with plenty of street lights and always avoid alleys or shortcuts.
Stay alert if listening to headphones, especially at night. As well as being distracting, headphones could be valuable and worth stealing. Make sure you keep any valuables in your coat or bag.
Getting a taxi
Getting a taxi
If you’re getting a taxi, make sure it’s licensed. Keep the number of a taxi company you trust on your mobile. Ask the taxi to pick you up directly outside where you are and stay inside until it arrives. If you have to wait outside, stay in a crowded area with plenty of street lights.
If you don’t know any taxi companies in the area, call directory enquiries or go into a shop or restaurant nearby and ask them to call one for you. Always check for the taxi’s licence plate and roof sign. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t get in.
Travelling on public transport
Travelling on public transport
Make sure that you get a bus at a stop where other people are waiting. If you are getting a train, wait in an area of the platform with plenty of light where you can see if anyone is approaching you.
Once you’re on board, sit where there are plenty of people or next to the driver. If you feel uncomfortable or afraid, speak to the driver. Most trains have emergency alarms. If you get into trouble, don’t be afraid to use them.
Protecting yourself on holiday
Protecting yourself on holiday
When on holiday it is easy to forget about the things that are home to keep ourselves safe. Before you go and while you’re there, remember to:
read the travel advice for the area – look for any areas you should avoid and any particular risks you should be aware of
find out about transport in the local area – plan how you’re going to get about
never leave your bag, luggage or personal belongings unattended
if you’re taking a taxi ask a local for a recommendation or get your hotel to book it for you
check public transport times – don’t get caught out on a night out by missing the last train or bus
keep your valuables, cash and passport somewhere safe – if you’re in a hotel use your room safe
don’t carry around lots of cash – only take what you need for each day or night
Don’t accept anything for anyone you don’t know. Be wary of strangers approaching you. If you feel uncomfortable, speak to your holiday rep, hotel, nearest embassy or the local police.
Don’t accept anything for anyone you don’t know. Be wary of strangers approaching you. If you feel uncomfortable, speak to your holiday rep, hotel, nearest embassy or the local police.
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