Safety Tips

Safety can sometimes feel like a challenge, but taking proactive steps makes a big difference. From physical crime to online threats, being aware of risks helps us protect ourselves and our communities. Whether at home, online, or in public, here are key strategies to stay safe.

Staying Safe at Home

Install a Security System

A home security system can help deter burglars and notify authorities if an intruder is detected.

Security Cameras

Monitored via a mobile app, these cameras allow you to monitor your property in real-time and can provide valuable evidence if needed.

Doorbell Cameras

Video doorbells can prevent porch theft and keep unwanted visitors at bay.

Use Outdoor Lighting

Install motion-activated lights to illuminate your property and deter intruders.

Safety Bars and Locks

Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked with deadbolts and reinforced security bars. For extra protection, especially for vulnerable individuals, consider door security bars.

Don’t Advertise Your Absence

Avoid announcing travel plans online or leaving visible signs that your home is empty.

Be Cautious When Answering the Door

Verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a utility worker or delivery person before allowing them inside.

Keep Valuables Hidden

Keep your valuables, like electronics or jewelry, out of sight from windows and doors. Consider using a safe to store your most important items.

Use Windchimes and Glass Bottles

As unconventional as it sounds, windchimes and strategically placed glass bottles near doors and windows can deter criminals by making noise if disturbed.

Useful Links

Public Safety Tips

Stay Alert and Aware

Being aware of your surroundings can help prevent dangerous situations. Avoid distractions such as excessive phone use or wearing headphones, which can make you less aware of potential threats. Listen to your surroundings and walk confidently—taking big strides and standing up straight makes you appear more self-assured and less like an easy target.

If you feel unsafe or suspect you’re being followed, turn on your phone light and hit record.

Say confidently

"I have you on camera, and my WhatsApp group is seeing this live." Even if no one is watching, the fear of exposure can deter an attacker.

Keep Valuables Secure

Keep your phone, wallet, and other belongings close to you. Avoid displaying expensive items in public.

Use Well-Lit Areas

When traveling at night, stand in well-lit areas like bus stops or train platforms to increase your visibility.

Travel with Others

When possible, travel with a friend or in a group, especially at night.

Report Incidents Promptly

If you witness or experience any suspicious or dangerous behavior, report it immediately to local authorities.

Non-Emergency Line: Use the non-emergency police line (101) for non-urgent concerns like noise complaints or seeking advice on safety matters.
Community Engagement: Participate in neighbourhood watch programs and attend community safety meetings to collaborate with others on crime prevention strategies.
Safety Assessments: Contact local authorities for a safety assessment of your home or neighbourhood to improve security measures.

Walking Alone?

Get Our Safety Tips Leaflet

Online Safety

Limit Online Exposure

Protect Your Images & Videos:

Never share explicit photos or videos—they can be screenshotted, saved, and misused.
Private messages aren’t always private—people can leak content, or accounts can be hacked.
Revenge porn & sextortion are real threats—criminals may demand money or more explicit content to avoid exposure.
If you're pressured to share, it's a red flag—no one who respects you will demand personal images.

Think before you share—personal details online can be used for scams, fraud, or exploitation.

Need Help?

If someone is threatening to leak your photos, report it to the police immediately 999.

112 – This is the EU-wide emergency number and works in the UK too.

Non-emergency police, the number is 101.

Social Media, Online Grooming & Consent

Be Mindful of Who You Engage With

Online grooming is a significant threat, particularly for vulnerable individuals like teenagers. Be cautious when interacting with strangers online, especially if they begin to show an unusual level of interest or ask for personal information.

Know Your Rights

Consent is a critical issue, especially in situations involving alcohol or other substances. If someone is too intoxicated to consent to an action, it is considered non-consensual.

Recognise and Respond to Bullying and Extortion

If you or someone you know is being targeted with online bullying, threats, or extortion, seek help from authorities and block the person involved.

Radicalisation

Avoid, and report extremist content

Understanding Radicalisation. radicalisation often starts online, with extremist groups using videos, forums, and social media to spread hate and recruit.

Signs of Radicalisation Online

Increased secrecy about online activity.
Sharing extremist content or justifying violence.
Sudden rejection of authority, family, or mainstream media.

Staying Safe Online

Fact-Check Information – Be aware of misinformation and propaganda spread by extremist groups.
Monitor Online Activity – Young people, in particular, may encounter radical content in gaming chats, YouTube videos, or private message boards.
Use Digital Safeguards – Set up parental controls, content filters, and report extremist content on platforms like YouTube, X (Twitter), and Facebook.

Preventing Radicalisation

Encourage Open Communication: Talk to those around you about their views and help them develop critical thinking skills.
Promote Positive Community Involvement: Help individuals engage in positive activities that foster social cohesion.
Report Suspicious Behaviour: If you suspect someone is becoming radicalised, contact authorities or support organisations that specialise in intervention.

How to Report Extremist Content

If you see radical content online, report it to:

UK Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU)
Social Media Reporting Tools – Platforms allow reporting of harmful content.
MI5 report Terrorism/ Espionage

How to Report Concerns About a School Child or Student

If you are worried that a child or young person is being radicalised, you should report it through the proper safeguarding channels:

School Safeguarding Team – Every school has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) trained to handle concerns about radicalisation.
Prevent (UK Government Counter-Radicalisation Programme) – Schools and colleges can refer concerns through the Prevent Duty process.
Local Authority Safeguarding Team – If the concern is urgent, contact your local Children’s Social Services.
Police (Non-Emergency – 101) – If you suspect immediate danger, call 999.