Crime proof Your Life

While there will always be crime, there are things we can do to lessen the chances of becoming a victim. The following safety tips should help you stay safe:

1. Small bags are easy to swipe. Wear an across the body bag with a short strap, and zip your wallet and phone in the inner compartments. If you’re walking through a bad area wear your bag under your jacket
2. When using your card in a shop bring the machine closer to you as you type in your pin. If someone is getting too close for comfort behind you don’t be afraid to ask them to move back. Use machines within banks when you can.
3. On a train or bus don’t sit your bag next to you. Hold it on your lap and try to get a seat up the back so you can see clearly.
4. When walking home at night try to project confidence, even if you don’t feel it. Don’t look down at the ground or listen to music. Stay alert and move purposefully.
5. Know where the local police stations are in your area.
6. Watch out for these common scams:

• A stranger approaches your table in a cafe or bar and rests their newspaper over your belongings, swiping them as they walk away.
• Walking down the street with friend after a big night out. Beware of someone joining in, thieves pretend to be one of the group and steal your wallet.
• Keep your bag zipped shut at all times. Thieves have been known to use BBQ tongs to extract belongings from open bags.
• Someone asking you to get something for them down from a high shelf. Obviously if it’s a little old lady go ahead, but it’s common for thieves to run off with your valuables once you are distracted.
• Someone telling you you’ve dropped something as your cash comes out of an ATM. A thief will use this as a distraction to pinch your money.