Nights are getting darker, and that can mean people start to feel a little more vulnerable. Maybe your walk from the bus stop to your front door is now shrouded in darkness? Perhaps you find yourself rummaging around in your handbag for your house keys for a few minutes each evening, and now it's harder than ever to find them without daylight to help! Maybe, with Christmas party season fast approaching, you're already expecting to walk through town alone at night to the venue?
Even if you're not bothered at all walking alone at night, it's certainly worth paying extra attention to your surroundings if you find yourself alone once the sun has gone down. Our security guards are highly trained in personal safety, so we wanted to put together 10 top tips for keeping you safe and alert should you find yourself on your own 'after hours'.
1. Stay alert
Try not to be distracted on your phone, texting or calling! This can easily distract you and stop you from hearing someone behind you -- making you more vulnerable. If you have a smartphone, you would also be showing it off to the world, without even realising you are! This could prompt someone into making you a target.
2. Leave venues with friends if possible
This point focusses on safety in numbers. If you're walking alone you're much more likely to be targeted than if you're with a group.
3. Try to stay in well-lit areas
If you have a choice between walking down an alley-way or taking a slightly longer route around that's well lit with street lamps and shop windows, then you're much safer to take the longer route.
4. Be confident
Stand tall, shoulders back and be alert. If it looks like you have a plan and you're on your way somewhere, then you're less likely to be targeted -- simply because a confident individual is more likely to stand up for themselves and raise the alarm should they be approached.
5. Travel as if you know where you're going
If you look like you have somewhere to be, that means you'll quickly be missed if you are late. An 'easy' target is one that won't necessarily be missed for a few hours at least.
6. Take the most direct route, if you can
The exception to this is if the direct route takes you through an unlit area, however, it's worth taking the quickest well-lit route if possible, as this will limit the time you're vulnerable and get you home safe and sound quicker!
7. Trust your instincts
If you don't trust that person walking behind you then don't be afraid to change direction and walk into a shop or restaurant until they pass. Equally, change direction to avoid walking down a particular road, or past a particular group if you have an uneasy feeling. There's a lot to be said for trusting your instinct.
8. Have your keys ready when you reach your home or car
When you're stood outside your door or car, fumbling around for keys, you're distracted, and that can make you a target. Have them ready as you approach so you can quickly get through the door and lock it behind you.
9. Keep money for taxis
If you're a little worse for wear, unsure of your surroundings, or simply don't like the idea of walking through a particular neighbour, then call a taxi. Getting home safe has to be a priority, and spending a little extra to get you there is a small price to pay.
10. Carry a personal alarm, and don't be afraid to use it!
Check it works, and practice using it!
If you're ever concerned, don't be afraid to call 101, or 999 if you're safety is in danger. If you're unsure on how to get home, then our security guards are trained to help when they can! Never feel uncomfortable about approaching someone in a CSS Ltd uniform and asking for help. They can help you to call for a taxi and ensure you get home safe.
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