20
Dec
2012
By Calvin at 19:27 GMT, 11 years ago
This evening I got a message from one our younger website friends asking me if I could put together twelve tips for a crime free Christmas when out and about*. So, not wishing to disappoint, here’s a few things I’ve told my lads and their partners to think about when they go out. They’re all aged between 21 and 24 and they’ve heard it all before, but say the same thing enough times and...
- Get your cash out during daylight hours if you can
- If you have to use an ATM at night be aware of who’s around you and always cover your PIN with your other hand – and do the same in pubs, restaurants and clubs**
- If using public transport make sure you know the times of the last train or bus
- If possible, book your cab journeys ahead of time with your usual taxi firm. This might be especially prudent for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when demand is manic and make sure you’ve got their numbers on your phone in case they don’t turn up or your arrangements change
- Therefore, don’t forget to take your phone with you and make sure it’s fully charged (got a spare battery?)
- You might want to cover up expensive jewellery until you reach your destination
- Make sure someone knows where you’re going and who you’re going with. If you’re not going to make it home phone the person who’s expecting you so they don’t worry (and subsequently call the police)
- Look after your mates, especially if a little too much has been drunk, and make sure they get home safely
- Don’t leave your handbag on the back of a chair in a pub, club or busy restaurant and fellas..... keep your wallet in an inside pocket and don’t flash the cash
- Don’t accept a drink from a stranger and don’t leave drinks unattended, even for a short time
- Walk away from trouble
- Look out for each other and don’t take dingy short cuts on the way home. In fact, don’t walk ‘Home Alone’...!
I could go on, but that’s twelve things. However the main thing (the 13th thing) is to have a great time and not to drink so much that you can’t remember that you did!
Have a happy and safe festive time – you know it makes sense!
Dad XX
*For further advice for young people going out and about please see this link to ‘Practising safe steps’ http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/students/664/practising-safe-steps/
**For further advice about cashpoints (ATMs) please follow this link: http://thecrimepreventionwebsite.com/robbery-and-theft-risk/660/taking-care-at-cashpoints/
