NATIONAL Personal Safety Day, October 14, organised by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, is an annual event aimed at highlighting some of the simple, practical solutions that everyone can use to help avoid violence and aggression in today’s society.

This year’s campaign is called StreetsAhead and it’s about helping people live safer, more confident lives. For most of us the streets are relatively safe and we can walk around without fear of becoming a victim of crime. The risk of suffering a violent incident is generally very low; however it does exist, so it’s advisable to take a few precautions to reduce the risk even further.

StreetsAhead gives the following safety tips:

Plan Ahead

• Consider where you’re going and how you’re going to get there.

• Is the route you’re planning busy and well-lit? Can you avoid badly-lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks?

• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which could be used to shock and disorientate an attacker if necessary, giving you vital seconds to get away.

Look Ahead

• Stay alert, as the sooner you see or hear potential danger approaching, the easier it is to avoid it.

• Avoid wearing earphones or chatting/texting on your mobile phone when walking down the street alone, as this will distract you from your surroundings and could prevent you from hearing danger approaching.

• If you do see potential danger ahead, take action immediately. Change your route and head for a safe place, such as a friend’s house or anywhere there are other people.

Think Ahead

• Walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers. If you can’t and a vehicle pulls up suddenly alongside you, turn and quickly change direction.

• Trust your instincts. If you think you’re being followed. Cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you’re still being followed, keep moving and make for a safe place.

Go Ahead

• Don’t let fear of crime stop you from getting out and about. Taking precautions to minimise any risks will not only make you feel safer, it should also give you more confidence when on the streets.

National Personal Safety Day 2013 is open to everyone to get involved and more information is available at www.nationalpersonalsafetyday.co.uk/

For further information about North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership, please visit www.nwcsp.org

SUE HANLEY Chairman, North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership