Out and About

The chances that you or a member of your family will be a victim of violent crime is low, Redditch is a low crime area but some people are still frightened that they, or someone close to them, will be the victim of a violent attack.

The best way to cut the risk of attack is by taking sensible precautions. Most people already do this as part of their everyday lives, often without realising it.  Making yourself safer doesn’t mean changing your entire lifestyle, personality or wardrobe and it doesn’t mean never going out at all.

How can you stay safe?

• You will feel safer in bright well-lit and busy areas, always take the route you know best.
• If you do have to pass poorly-lit/isolated areas 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 shop.
• If you are at all worried, try and walk with a friend or stay near a group of people.  Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are going and walk ‘tall’.
• Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pockets.
• Keep your mind on your surroundings – remember if you are wearing a personal stereo you will not hear trouble approaching.
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury.
• Shout ‘fire’ rather than ‘help’ – it can get more results.
• If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of your chair.
• Be careful when using cashpoint machines.  Make sure nobody is hovering nearby and do not count your money in the middle of the street.
• If a vehicle pulls up suddenly alongside you, turn and walk in the other direction – you can turn much faster than a car.
• Beware of someone who warns you of the danger of walking alone and then offers to accompany you.  This could be a ploy.
• A safer way to carry things is in a small bag slung across your body under a jacket or coat.
• It is a good idea to have a mobile phone, a phonecard or some spare change with you to enable you to make a phone call.