The chances of you or a member of your family becoming a victim of violent crime are low.  Violent crimes by strangers in public places are still rare and account for a very small part of recorded crime.

However, you can make yourself even less likely to be the victim of violent crime - for example robbery or assault - by taking a few sensible precautions.  You should think about how you would act in different situations before you are in them.  Think about whether you would stay and defend yourself (using reasonable force) or simply get away as quickly as you can.  There is nothing wrong with doing either, but you should think about the options - there will be no time to do so if you are attacked.  The following are some points for guidance:-

• You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas.
  
  
• Try to look and act confident - look as if you know where you are going and walk tall.
  
  
• You might like to spread your valuables around your body.  For example, keep your mobile phone in your bag, your house keys in your trouser pocket and your money in your jacket.
  
  
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontaion and risk injury.
  
  
• You can use reasonable force in self-defence.  You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying (for example keys or a personal alarm) but you may not carry a weapon.
  
  
• If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker may be stronger than you or may take what you are using in self-defence and use it against you.
  
  
• It is often better to shout loudly and to run away.
  
  
• If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair.
  
  
• Try not to advertise your valuables such as mobile phone, laptop, MP3 player, jewellery or watch.
  
  
• When out walking, be careful not to make your MP3 player or personal stereo an easy target for robbers.  Try to keep it hidden.