Stay safe message from GMP

As the darker nights draw in it is important to remind our young people of ways to protect themselves, particularly from street thefts. Please find below some of the points GMP have shared with us:

• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
• Plan ahead: Make travel plans in advance and let your family or friends know when and where you are going.  Share location data on your phone.
• Remain aware: Stick to busy, well-lit areas and keep close to a group if you feel unsafe.
• Don’t keep all your valuables in one place. Try to keep them in different pockets or areas of your bag.
• If your taking cash out of an ATM check there is no one close by or invading your personal space. If someone tries to distract you they could be looking to snatch your cash.
• If you are playing music in both ears or distracted by using your mobile phone you won’t be able to take action if someone tries to snatch your phone, bag or other expensive items.
• Carry your handbag bag across the front of your body, not just over your shoulder, and keep all bags closed and preferably zipped.
• Expensive items, such as phones, jewellery and watches are a magnet for thieves so keep them out of sight. When out socialising don’t leave phones or other personal items unattended, thieves mingle with customers scanning for items they can steal. Items placed on tables, left over the back of chairs, and phones and wallets in back pockets make easy pickings.
• Keep with friends there’s safety in numbers.
• If you feel nervous and unsafe then trust your instincts, they’re probably right. Find a place of safety where there are people about and keep in main well-lit areas.
• Register your mobile device for free at immobilise.com – this helps police to identify you as the owner if it is recovered.
• Make a written note of your mobile phone’s IMEI number by dialling *#06#. If your phone is stolen, it can speed up the process of getting the phone blocked when reporting the number to your service provider.
• Turn on your phone’s security features. You may have security features that allow you to remotely track, lock and erase the phone data if it’s lost or stolen. These can help the police trace your phone and identify the thief.
• If you see someone else in trouble, think twice before trying to help. This may just aggravate the problem and you could end up hurt as well. It may be a lot more helpful to shout for help, call the police or generally make a lot of noise to attract attention. 
• For more information on personal safety please visit www.gmp.police.uk

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