Crime prevention

Protect Yourself from Street Robbery 

At this time of year with the weather being a lot warmer we are out and about and the risk of having your necklace snatched or your mobile phone snatch is higher than in the winter months. Please read some of the advice below on how to protect yourself day to day. 

Here are some useful ways to keep you and your property safe on the street.

Look confident

You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings.

Know where you’re going

Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere you haven’t been before. Keep to busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV. Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app.

Hide it

Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight. If you’re using your phone it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you.

And never leave a mobile, any other device, wallet or purse on the table of an outdoor café, pub or restaurant. Same goes for any jewellery you might be wearing – keep it covered when walking down the street.

Be aware of your surroundings

If you need to call or use your phone on the street, look out for anyone on a bike or a moped near you. Look up, look out

Make it quick so you don't become distracted

Don't text while you're walking – you won't notice what's going on around you

If that's not possible, stand away from the roadside, close to a building or wall, so no one can come up behind you

Going hands-free can prevent a thief from snatching your phone out of your hand