Personal safety

When you’re out and about, you may want to take some precautions to help you stay safe.

  • Make travel plans in advance and let your family or friends know when and where you’re going.
  • Stick to busy, well-lit areas and keep close to a group if you feel unsafe.
  • Book a licensed cab in advance or hail a black cab (Hackney Carriage) from the street. Only black cabs can be hailed from the street so don’t try to hail a minicab without booking it in advance – and never accept a lift from a stranger.
  • Think about carrying a personal safety alarm with you when you’re out.
  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Consider not wearing your headphones when you’re out alone.
  • Don’t keep all your valuables in one place. Try to keep them in different pockets or areas of your bag.
  • If you feel worried or threatened on public transport, contact the guard or the British Transport Police. If it’s not an emergency, you can use the British Transport Police’s 61016 text service.

For more advice and tips on staying safe: