Personal Safety

by Julie Buck, Crime Reduction Unit

Cambridgeshire is generally a safe place to work and live. However, trouble does occasionally rise and can sometimes be avoided by taking positive action: Planning Joumeys and Outings

Choose your route carefully.
Always let someone know where you are going, what route you are taking and the time you expect to arrive at your destination.
Travel with friends if possible.
DO NOT take short cuts across parks, or through poorly-lit alleyways after dark.
Where possible, stick to busy, well-lit areas.
If you are not using the pubs or clubs in town centres, try to avoid moving between venues at closing times.
Also avoid fast food outlets (kebab shops etc.) where groups of pub-goers tend to congregate.
If you are taking a taxi, pre-book it through a reputable company - ask friends and colleagues for the name of a good firm.
Carry your car/door key in your hand on your return journey. This saves time searching through your pocket/bag when you arrive.
If you regularly jog, run or cycle, vary the time and route of your journey, to avoid creating a predictable pattern. Safety of Belongings
Only take items that you know you will need. Do not carry large sums of cash, your passport etc. with you if you do not need to. Store them in a secure place.
If you have to carry a large amount of cash with you, split it up so that if you are robbed you do not lose it all.
When collecting cash from a cashpoint, count it out in private.
Carry wallets in inside jacket pockets.
Beware of carrying valuable items in cycle baskets.
Bags should be carried diagonally across the body with the opening facing your body.
Do not store your purse/wallet in a rucksack carried on your back.