Personal safety
Whether you walk, run, ride or drive, the following precautions will help keep you safe:
- When you are out late in the evening, use a known taxi firm, or the student transport if it is available.
- A torch or personal alarm is also useful.
When using public transport, try to avoid using bus stops in quiet locations or even quiet areas of the bus station. When on the bus, sit close to the driver, if possible, or else where there are several other passengers.
If you have a car, keep it maintained and topped up with petrol at all times. Use the main roads where possible. The doors must be locked, and bags and valuables out of sight when you are away from the vehicle. Never pick up hitchhikers and make sure you have change for the phone (or even a phone card or mobile phone) should problems arise.
If you park your car in daylight and will not be returning until it is dark, try to imagine what the area will look like during the hours of darkness and park in well lit areas.
Two or more students are less vulnerable than someone on their own, particularly in an unfamiliar environment.
Avoid shortcuts and isolated areas. Try to walk facing the traffic and, if threatened, run away. Stay away from confrontational situations, e.g. unruly groups or drunks. Don't hitchhike or take lifts from strangers.
If you feel threatened while out walking, get away from the threatening situation. RUN, if necessary, and do not attempt to fight back unless you really have to. If you think you are being followed, keep moving towards the nearest public place, crossing and re-crossing the road. As soon as you get to a public place, phone home or to friends or to the Police.
If a vehicle pulls up next to you, turn and walk in the opposite direction and, again, make for the nearest public place or use a phone.
Remember, when you telephone 999 anywhere throughout Great Britain, all calls are free even on a BT payphone. The European Union dialling code of 112 can also be used for emergency calls in the UK.
Booklets such as 'Talking Sense', 'A Guide to Women's Safety', and other leaflets that provide a more in-depth look at personal safety, are available at Student Services, at the local Post Office, or at St Andrews Police Station.