News

Streetwise Advice for School Students

Do
• Keep your phone and valuables out of sight
• Hand it over. Things can be replaced, you can’t. Never confront a thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your mobile phone, watch, jewellery, etc.
• Only wear one headphone and keep your headphone volume low, so you can hear what’s going on around you
• Ensure your bag pockets are fully closed
• If you think someone is behind you, check by twirling, and take a good look, not a fleeting glance
• If you are out with a group, stay with them until you can leave safely
• Walk/move with pace, purpose and confidence
• Move quickly to a shop or place where there are adults/other people if you feel unsafe
• Set up a device tracking app and have a note of your IMEI and device serial number/s at home
• Report anything that makes you uncomfortable to an adult, parent or teacher
• If you witness an incident happening call 999 as soon as it is safe to do so.

Don’t
• Be there – Go straight from A to B using the safest, well-lit route with the best chance of CCTV coverage
• Argue with a mugger
• Go into parks or poorly lit areas after sunset – Walk around on well-lit streets
• Flash your new phone or handheld gaming device in public
• Wander away from friends without letting them know where you are going
• Text whilst walking, dawdle, or look lost
• Carry a weapon ‘for protection’

This list is not exhaustive.

For further tips on staying safe in different situations, see this online link: Personal safety: how to stay safe | Metropolitan Police