Staying safe and secure when travelling advice

Top tips to help you keep you staying safe and secure when travelling, either for work or social purposes

Before setting off:

Plan and Prepare: Before you leave to go out, plan your journey and the transport that you will be using. Consider what you might need in the way of money/cards and the time you’ll be home. Notify someone of your planned journey, who you are meeting and how you are going to get home. Consider whether you can travel home with a friend and ensure that you are aware of the time of the last bus/train.

Consider an app-based personal safety platform, lone worker device or personal alarm. Below we have listed our Secured by Design member companies which offer products that have been tested and certified to meet the exacting standards you would expect from the police, all to give you confidence and peace of mind.

Try not to keep all your valuables in one place. It’s a good idea to keep valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket and to separate a small amount of cash or a bankcard from your main purse/wallet. Keep your car or house keys separate too.

A simple thing, but try to remember to make sure your phone is fully charged before you go out so that you are able to make calls if you need to.

When Travelling

If you are travelling by car never park in isolated, poorly lit or dark places and remember to make a mental note of where your vehicle is for later on - preferably park in a Park Mark carpark.

The Park Mark Safer Parking Award is awarded to parking facilities that have been subjected to a rigorous risk assessment conducted by a police Designing Out Crime Officer and the British Parking Association. Trust your instincts when parking your car, if you feel uneasy about the location look for a more suitable spot.

PARK MARK

If you are travelling by bicycle, lock your bike at recognised secure cycle parking spots. These should be well lit and covered by CCTV. Secure cycle hubs and racks are often provided by local councils and businesses - again check these online with the local authority before making your journey.

If you are carrying a bag, keep it close to your body and keep your valuables out of sight and secure.

If you are out at night, try to stick to busy streets where you will be near other people. Avoid dangerous spots such as poorly-lit areas, deserted parks or quiet isolated alleyways.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times, stay on well-lit streets and try to stick to routes you know best. If you are not familiar with an area or route, make sure you have planned your journey beforehand using street view and public transport timetables. That way you won’t be standing looking at your phone in unfamiliar areas trying to find your way around.

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Avoid chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music on your headphones, as this can distract you from your surroundings or any potential danger signs.

If you think you are being followed, always trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Head to a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call the police.

If you feel uncomfortable, or at risk, seek a place of safety, such as a shop or anywhere where there are other people, and tell someone what is happening.

If you feel worried or threatened on public transport, contact the guard or the British Transport Police. They won’t mind as they would rather make sure you are safe.

Think about getting a personal safety alarm. Keep it in an easily accessible place and carry it in your hand if you feel at risk. It can be used to momentarily distract an attacker giving you vital seconds to escape.