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Personal Safety

Key Fact

When does personal safety become a police matter?

When you believe the law is about to be broken or has been broken.

Top Tips

Remember

  • Don’t be afraid to call 999 if you think you may be in danger.
  • When out and about use your mobile phone, MP3 player, etc. discreetly so not to draw attention to them. Keep your phone in a pocket on vibrate.
  • On public transport, sit near the driver. On a train, sit in a busy carriage if you can.
  • Walk facing traffic so a car can’t pull up behind you.
  • Never take short cuts through secluded areas unless you’re with a large group of friends.
  • Learn to say NO. If you’re not comfortable with anything just say NO. It doesn’t matter what your friends are doing, YOU are the important one.
  • Always tell your parents/carers where you are going, they worry about you! So put their minds at rest; tell them about your plans.

Things to Make You Think!

PC Jones says:

  • If someone sends you a nasty or threatening text or email they are breaking the law. It is wrong. Tell a trusted adult, keep the message and report it.
  • Drinking alcohol or taking drugs changes the way the mind and body works. You are more likely to have an accident or to injure yourself when drunk.
  • Listening to music whilst walking out and about means you won’t be able to hear what’s going on around you and puts you at risk from traffic and risks posed by others.

Introduction

Your school police officer will help you learn how to recognise and reduce risks in everyday life.

PC Heard’s Advice

Question and Answer

Question: I am going to town on my own with a friend shopping. I am a bit nervous as I heard about a boy from my school being mugged for his phone. What should I do if someone tries to steal my phone or money?
Answer:
  • Keep your phone hidden and only use if you absolutely need to.
  • Avoid risky places like subways or isolated areas.
  • Don’t carry valuables on you; ideally keep your money in a money belt.
  • The best bags to carry are ones that have a long strap that can be worn across your body.
  • Always give away your bag, purse, wallet or phone rather than fight. Your things can be replaced but you can’t.
  • If you are mugged, attacked or threatened, go to a safe place such a shop and ask for help. Report any theft to the police and contact your family.
Question: I am going to a house party on the weekend. How can I enjoy myself and stay safe?
Answer:
  • Always make sure your parents/carers know where you are going to be and how you plan to get home.
  • Don’t walk home alone.
  • Never accept lifts from anyone who has been drinking alcohol.
  • Keep together with friends.
  • If there is alcohol available remember that it only takes 5 minutes for it to enter your blood.
  • Drinking a lot in a short time is called binge drinking and puts you at risk as it affects the way your mind and body works.
  • People often regret decisions they make under the influence of alcohol.
  • Don’t accept drinks from others if you do not know what is in the drink.
  • Do not leave a drink unattended as it could be spiked.
  • Be responsible, plan effectively and you will have the right kind of fun.
  • Remember, the law says you must be 18 and over to buy alcohol.

If you need help, phone ChildLine on

0800 1111

Calls are free from most mobiles and landlines.

Your call will not show up on the bill.

For help about drugs, phone Dan 24/7 on

0808 808 2234

Calls are free from most landlines.

Calls from mobiles may be charged depending on your network.

dan247.org.uk

In an emergency always call

999

Calls are free from most mobiles and landlines.

Your call will not show up on the bill.