Millions of people travel by rail every day - but very few of us become victims of crime, thanks in part to the BTP.
Millions of people travel by rail every day - but very few of us become victims of crime.- follow this advice, from the British Transport Police (BTP) - and help keep it that way.
Fear of crime is as much of a problem as crime itself. There are many simple precautions we can take, to increase our confidence, and make it even less likely we will become a crime victim.
Everyone is different. This is not a checklist - we do not have to do everything on this page. Consider what is appropriate for you to travel safely.
Crime
We are actually very safe, when travelling by rail. Crime is not common, and violent crime is rare (there is about one violent crime, for every 220,000 passenger journeys). Women are not usually the victims of violent crime. Most victims of assault, and robbery, are young men.
Pickpockets
Pickpockets love crowds. Take precautions. Most pickpocketing is actually theft from bags, so keep bags to the front, closed, and with the fastening towards the body. Be particularly careful with rucksacks.
Women, because they tend to carry more bags than men, are the pickpocket's favourite target, although wallets, carried in back pockets, are also attractive to this type of thief. If your handbag has an interior zipped compartment, consider using it for cash and credit cards.
Stranger in Town?
Some types of criminal, particularly pickpockets, target tourists. If you are a stranger in the area, take particular care. Try not to carry all your money/valuables with you. Remember that your map, or camera, may mark you out as a visitor.
Crime Prevention
If subways, paths or other areas are badly lit, let rail staff know. Many stations are now taking part in the Secure Stations Scheme. Ask your station operator about it, and write to the station operator about anything that concerns you.
Stay in sight of any closed-circuit (CCTV) cameras. These are a deterrent to criminals.
Although these cameras may not be monitored all the time, recordings can provide police with vital evidence.
Keep valuables, especially jewellery, out of sight, i.e. chains under clothing.
Keep luggage close at hand, at all times, and in sight if possible. Do not have your name - or address - visible on any tags.
Keep keys separate from anything with your address on it.
Plan Ahead
You will feel more confident if you check train times, and connections, before travelling
If you are travelling in a party, arrange a contact point, in case you are separated. Make sure everyone knows who to contact, and how to get in touch with them, before you go
If travelling alone, have a system for letting someone know you have arrived safely
Carry a phone card, chargecard, or change for the phone
Know where you are going on arrival, and get directions before you travel. If you are being met, arrange a specific meeting point - many stations have several entrances and car parks
If a large event is taking place near a station - a football match, or concert, for instance - that station, and adjacent ones, may become crowded. In those circumstances, it is probably not a good idea to arrange to meet someone there
On The Move
Appear confident, and look as if you know where you are going.
Be aware of what is going on around you. A personal stereo, or radio, will reduce your ability to do this, as will drink, drugs or excessive tiredness.
Get into the habit of looking around you, to see who is sitting where. You will look, and feel, more confident, and be better able to assist police should anything happen.
If you have to wait, keep to well-lit areas, and, if possible, wait with other people.
Try to travel in the part of the train which will be most convenient when you arrive.
Avoid poorly-lit paths, subways and alleyways. If there is no alternative, take extra care, and consider carrying a personal alarm.
Consider what to wear when travelling. Sensible shoes, and clothing, allow freedom of movement, and you can always change on arrival.
Remember, loose clothing can get caught in moving doors.
Don't accept lifts from strangers. Use reputable taxis, or minicabs, only.
If you are reading a letter, be aware that other people can read it too.
Be aware of what you say during a conversation. This can give away personal information to anyone listening.
Where possible, remove, or cover up, ID tags and uniforms.
On The Train
Sit near other people in a busy carriage. If the carriage empties, move to a busier one, or nearer staff.
If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, then move. Don't just sit there!
Make sure you know where the emergency alarm is located, and don't be afraid to use it. Remember that help can be given more easily at a station.
Choose a seat next to the aisle, or corridor.
Cars
You don't want to return to find your car has been broken into, or stolen. Take precautions. Make sure it is locked, the windows are fully closed, and that, if you have an alarm fitted, it is switched on.
Put any valuables or bags out of sight.
Leave your car in a well-lit area, as near the entrance as possible.
Try to envisage what the area will be like in the dark, and avoid secluded places.
If you are unhappy walking through a car park, try to get someone you recognise to walk with you. If staff are available, ask them to accompany you, or watch you, to your car.
Encourage your car park operator to take part in the Secured Car Park Scheme.
Children
Children travelling on their own can be the subject of unwelcome attention. It depends on the individual child, and area, but British Transport Police generally recommends that children under 10 should be accompanied. Young children, travelling unsupervised, to and from school, are safer if they travel with friends.
Prepare young children, by telling them:
Their route, the train times, and details, of any connections. Write it down, if necessary.
Travel where there are as many people as possible.
How to behave on stations and trains - they can be dangerous places - in particular:
Stand back from the platform edge.
Never try to get on or off a moving train.
Don't run on platforms.
Mind the gap, between train, and platform.
Don't lean out of windows.
Not to make too much noise, and listen to announcements.
Not to touch an unattended bag or package, but to report it.
Not to talk to strangers.
Who to approach, if in difficulty, or lost.
How to recognise rail staff, and police.
If there are escalators, to stand on the right, not to run, and to hold on to the handrail.
Remember that the connecting doors on London Underground trains are for emergency use only - it is unsafe to use them in other circumstances.
Give them a phone card and more than one contact number.
If travelling with very young children, consider using reins, or other devices, to keep them with you, and put a note, with a contact phone number, in a secure pocket. Avoid names and addresses, as they could be used for the wrong reasons.
If There Is A Problem
Protect yourself first; your property can be replaced, your good health cannot. Think first about getting away. Fighting back should be a last resort.
Scream, make a noise, and run to the nearest busy, well-lit place you can find.
If you see, or hear, someone in trouble, or being harassed, don't ignore it. Raise the alarm - next time it could be you who needs help.
Personal alarms can give you time to escape, should something happen. If you carry one, make sure it is handy. It won't help you, at the bottom of a handbag or suitcase.
Report anything to the police, as soon as you can. Every little bit of information really does help. The sooner something is reported; the sooner help can be given. Vital time, and evidence, can be gained from prompt action. Don't let embarrassment stop you. If you specifically want to speak to a male, or female officer, that can be arranged
Contacts
British Transport Police, Victim Support Scheme,
Citizens Advice Bureaux, or your own local police station will be pleased to provide further help.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust (telephone: 020 8392 1839) also offers advice, help and training in personal safety.
British Transport Police are available 24 hours-a-day on Freephone 0800 405040. In an emergency - dial 999.
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