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Dear Resident. As the hot weather continues this week, more people are out enjoying the sunshine in our local communities. Our officers will be out and about to keep you safe however here are some safety tips to give you more confidence to enjoy being out and about this summer. In public places Stay alert and act confidently.Cover up jewellery, mobile phones and other tech and keep your bag close to your body.Never hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers.Before you go out, consider how you are going to get home, e.g. Can you travel home with a friend? What time does the last bus/train leave? Prepare for your day before you leave – consider what you might need. Update someone on your plans. Take sensible precautions if walking alone in the dark. For example, try to stick to well-lit busy streets and be vigilant.Consider carrying a personal attack alarm.Consider allowing a trusted friend or relative access to an app that tracks your whereabouts, to allow others to know where you are.Walk facing oncoming traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you.If you regularly go walking or jogging, vary your route.Avoid wearing headphones or using your mobile phone while walking or jogging.When going to your car or home, have your keys ready at hand.If you think you’re being followed, walk to the busiest place you can find or knock on a door. Then call the police. Keep in contact Keep your mobile phone charged so that you can communicate at all times. Take a charger or power bank with you. Consider agreeing where your group will meet at certain times of the day, in case someone loses their phone/has it stolen/their batteries die etc. And they cannot be contacted. If possible, stay in groups. What to carry Keep your phone on you at all times. Keep some cash on you at all times unless you can pay using your phone.Take note of your bank's emergency number so you can contact them if your cards are lost or stolen. Would a torch or a phone torch be useful on your journey? Personal safety apps Own a smartphone? There are a number of personal safety apps you can download. Many of them are designed specifically to support lone workers.Consider Strut Safe – a national phone line staffed by volunteers who you can talk to while walking home alone, to help you feel safe – call 0333 335 0026For personal safety advice visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website.Visit the Hollie Guard website for information about the app For more safety advice visit: Staying Safe – crime prevention advice for when you are out and about | West Midlands Police Stay safe and enjoy the summer ☀️ 
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