On this weeks posting I have enclosed some safety advice to pass on to your members.


Cheshire remains a safe place to live and a safe place to be out and about in, however there are some steps that could be taken to reduce the risk of becoming the victim of a crime whilst outdoors. Most of these steps are simply common sense and you probably do a lot of them already without thinking twice.
•At night try to avoid taking risky shortcuts through back alleys, parks or waste grounds. Where possible stick to pavements or well lit areas.
•Walk facing traffic so as you can see what's heading towards you and so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.
•If you regularly walk home or go out jogging try to vary your routes (without taking risky shortcuts)
•Wearing earphones is common practice these days and can make walks or jogging more entertaining, however be aware the earphones may: appear attractive to potential attackers, damage your hearing and reduce your alertness to your surroundings.
•If you are carrying a bag make sure the clasp is facing inwars, all zips are closed correctly and all pockets closed. If your bag is snatched let it go, your safety is more important than your property.
•If you have expensive items on you such as jewellery, mobile phone or personal stereo keep it out of sight.
•If you are threatened by a person, scream and shout, set off a personal attack alarm to startle the attacker and give you vital seconds to escape. Try to make note of details such as registration plates, clothing, height etc. and then report the incident to the police.

In relation to the above advise there are bells available that attach onto purses or zips of handbags which prevent them being taken - these bells are available at the helpdesk at Crewe Police Station.
All the taxis and public transport of Cheshire are highly regulated making them a very safe way of getting from A to B. By taking small precautions though you can make them even safer.

•On trains or buses try and sit amongst people and steer clear of empty carriages where possible. If you get on an empty bus sit near the driver or conductor.
•Try to stay away from isolated and dark bus stops.
•On trains check to see where the emergency chains, buttons and exits are.
•Do not get in a private hire vehicle unless you have pre-booked it through a registered company as you will not be insured should anything happen and it would be very difficult to track you whereabouts. You may however hail a taxi (usually a black cab) on the street.
•When in a taxi or black cab take note of the drivers details which should be displayed on his badge along with the taxi number. To be extra safe you could text a friend the details.
•When you arrive at your destination ask the driver to wait until you are inside.


Kind Regards