How To Consider Your Own Safety:
As adults we all want to be safe & feel safe in everything we do, we do not want to fear things happening to us or our loved ones at this festive time of year, and it is very easy to say that we all need to be aware of violence and dangers, but we need to consider our own safety & the safety of others at all times.
People can only hurt you if they get near to you, therefore when in public try and keep away from other people. If anyone comes towards you then try and move away as quickly as possible.
Attackers (apart from Terrorists or criminals with a gun/weapon) would use their hands to injure you or snatch something from you, so first thing to notice, is the attacker holding a weapon (knife or item that could injure you) then already you will be aware of any likely danger.
Police & other organisations used to organise 'Self-Protection' Courses for women & men, that was quaintly called 'Bash & Dash', in other words hit, kick & get away, also giving advice on crime prevention on how to be aware of various dangerous sets of circumstances, then how to quickly react to make yourself safe, but again financial restraints on the Police Service has curtailed this type of training activity and various other organisations sports clubs, local authorities, personal safety charities & martial art type set ups have taken over this practical activity.
Knife Crime:
Keep away from anyone holding a knife or an item that could hurt you. Although there are a large number of people who carry knives in public areas, being young males, although young females have become far more aggressive than they used to be, most of them carry knives for their own protection from others, there are a few persons, usually mentally ill, suffering from alcohol/drugs abuse, or in a deranged state, where they randomly attack persons for no apparent reason. Keeping at least 3 feet away will in most instances could make you safe. If a person has nothing in their hands, then you are already in a safer position. If you cannot see a persons hands then try and keep a distance of at least 3 feet away from them & do not be afraid to quickly move away from someone.
Spiking:
This tampering with someone's drink is highly dangerous and should be given even more investigation by Police and the authorities, as it is actually drugging a person against their will (or knowledge) in a social scene or setting. The majority of perpetrators are male and the victims usually female but sometimes it does affect males.
If you have left your drink for a few minutes, or even seconds, without being able to monitor it (or having someone to look after it), then seriously consider not drinking it, as even a small amount of liquid with any form of drugs or illicit substance may make you ill. If you are feeling vulnerable or unsafe in a bar then use “Ask for Angela” - https://www.met.police.uk/police-forces/metropolitan-police/areas/about-us/about-the-met/campaigns/ask-for-angela
Violence Against Women & Girls:
Unfortunately, in the United Kingdom we have the problem of violence against women & girls both from persons known to the victim and from strangers, sometimes for no apparent reason. This horrendous blight on our society is now addressed by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) in 2024 as a national emergency through a national statement, calling for a whole-systematic approach that brings together criminal justice partners, government bodies, health and education to collectively tackle the threat, through earlier identification of perpetrators and prevention work.
The harm caused to victims and society by violence against women and girls (VAWG) in all its forms – including but not limited to harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, murder, honour-based abuse, coercive control – is immeasurable. While men and boys also suffer from many of these forms of abuse, they disproportionately affect women.
Any aspect of potential violence should be reported to Police as soon as possible to reduce these types of criminal behaviour.
Shoplifting (with threats):
One of the most likely type of crimes in public is theft from shops & retail premises (Shoplifting) but do not get involved in trying to stop the offender, keep away & without coming to notice, call Police or inform any owner or manager/worker at the premises. Without putting yourself at risk you may using a mobile phone video the incident but only if you feel comfortable in doing that.
Shoplifter usually only want to steal goods/items, but if stopped then often become violent or aggressive in order to get away, before fleeing the area.
Mobile phone theft:
When carrying or using your mobile phone in public be alert & aware of your surroundings, as there has been a vast increase in snatching of a mobile phone especially in towns & cities, where thieves on cycles, e-bikes, e-scooters etc quickly come from behind and grab the item out of your hands, of course if the phone is being used & open, then access to all your apps is apparent. Phones are worth a few hundred if not a thousand GB pounds & are part of most peoples daily lives with lots of things important to us.
If you need to use your phone walk near to a building line or next to a building, rather than the roadside, reducing the openness & easy availability of someone coming past you quickly. A vast number of smart technology mobile phones stolen are purely for the chips or types of phones which are quickly shipped overseas where the criminals obtain a higher price, when selling them on. Having a 'find my phone' or 'trace/location' app with a family member can be very useful in discovering where your phone is & could assist Police in recovering your phone - https://crimestoppers-uk.org/get-involved/campaigns/city-of-london-phone-snatching
Robbery:
The offence of robbery is 'theft of item/s with violence or threats of violence' & therefore realise that whatever it is, it is only property that can be replaced, so do not put yourself in further danger, likelihood of serious or possible fatal injury. In the heat of the moment, try & keep as calm as possible, only reacting if about to be assaulted or assault on your loved ones.
Street Crime:
All the above categories of incidents can be classed as street crimes; various police services may record it differently & all of these offences should be reported to Police. In a lot of cases, they may know or have an idea of the suspect or suspects in particular areas who commit these crimes. Good descriptions of suspects/attackers is very valuable when reporting crimes.
Police do recover each year a vast amount of stolen property and if serial numbers (ID & reference details) are kept separately then there is always a possibility of the items being returned.
The most important thing in the festive season is for you, your family, friends and colleagues to stay safe, if going out to a party or function, try and stay with trusted friends and look after each other. Surelock can assist individuals, families or groups/associations & businesses in presenting 'Personal Safety Awareness' Training as well as discussing any particular concerns about safety & security that could keep people safe. Please contact us direct via our web site on https://www.surelock.org/contact-us or give us a call to have a chat 0333 6000 300
