PERSONAL SAFETY

A Students Guide to Being Streetwise

Anyone can fall victim to street crime and we want to ensure that your experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

Here are some simple steps that we suggest you follow to keep yourself safe:

PERSONAL SAFETY

§  Have a safety plan, plan your day, look at your transport needs, ensure that someone will know when you are overdue travelling home.

§  Keep alert for the unexpected.

§  Keep your mind on what is happening around you.

§  Don't take unnecessary chances.

§  Walk confidently.

§  Know where you are going.

§  Walk in groups of two or more after dark.

§  Stay in well-lit areas and keep to well-constructed paths.

§  Carry a personal alarm or be prepared to scream and shout if attacked.

HOW TO AVOID BEING ASSAULTED OR BEING THE VICTIM OF A ROBBERY

If you do walk then consider the following:

 • Be street wise.

• Walk with a friend or in a group of two or more.

• Don’t take short cuts, follow major pathways alongside roads.

• Avoid isolated areas or pathways where you can’t get assistance.

• If you think you are being followed, change direction and walk to a safe place where you can seek assistance.

• Carry a mobile telephone. If you are being followed call the Police on 112. Keep the line open until you get assistance or you get to a safe place. If you are attacked, don’t resist. Try to avoid being seriously injured.

• Get help.

• Without endangering yourself or attracting the offenders’ attention, take note of the appearance of your attackers and the direction they flee in.

When you are out, be Street Wise

• Tell someone about your movements - family, friends or someone you are living with.

• Always walk on footpaths that are easily seen from the road.

• Stick to well-lit footpaths.

• Walk with a friend or in a group of two or more.

• Carry your bag close to your body, don’t let it dangle or swing from your shoulder.

• Always keep your bag or backpack zipped up.

• Don’t carry large sums of cash.

• Keep your cash on your person.

• Don’t mark keys or small items with your address or their purpose.

• Always walk with confidence. 

At the ATM

 • Be alert.

• Check to see who is around.

• If you think it looks unsafe, don’t stop but look for another ATM.

• Watch people around you while the machine processes your request.

• On completion of your transaction, put your cash out of sight as quickly as possible.

Taxis

• Sit in the back.

• Travel with friends when you can.

• Give clear directions. If the taxi leaves your route, terminate the trip.

• If you feel unsure, insist on being taken to a safe place and terminate the trip.