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Dear Resident Public place violence or crimes committed by strangers are thankfully rare, however we offer some advice, so people can take steps to protect themselves in everyday life. 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. 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.Take sensible precautions if walking alone in the dark. For example, try to stick to well-lit busy streets and be vigilant.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.If you are attacked, shout for help as loudly as you can or shout for someone to contact the police. Use your personal attack alarm. Try to get to a safe place and call the police.If someone attempts to take something from you, consider letting them have it rather than risk being hurt.Running safely Let someone know where you're going and for how long. Consider downloading a running tracker app on which a trusted family member or friend can trace your movements. Plan your route before-hand, considering whether it will be a busy or well-lit area. Consider running with others if possible or joining a running group. Consider carrying a personal alarm, to enable you to get away from an attacker by distracting and distracting them. Consider just having one earphone in to ensure you can hear any changes in your surroundings. If running when it is dark, consider carrying a torch - a head torch is a hands-free option and wear reflective clothing so that road users can see you. Carry a small amount of cash, or your card, to enable you to get home should you need to. If you feel uncomfortable, or at risk, seek a place of safety, such as a shop or anywhere where there are other people, and tell someone what is happening or has happened. Buses, trams and trains Always plan your journey.While waiting for a bus, metro or train, stand in a well-lit place near other people.If you feel vulnerable, sit near the driver or other people. Avoid empty carriages or empty top decks.If you are being pestered, tell the guard or driver, or call the police.Keep your belongings near to you.Do not leave laptops, mobile phones or bags unattended – even if you are only going to the buffet carriage or toilet.To report anti-social behaviour online, visit the Safer Travel Partnership website.To report issues on public transport in the West Midlands, you can text 81018, start your message with seesay and include as much information as possible.Further Advice 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 0026 For personal safety advice visit the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website. Visit the Hollie Guard website for information about the app We have a dedicated website for all aspects of safety within student life. See more on: Safer Students | West Midlands Police (west-midlands.police.uk) Report it! Always dial 999 in an emergency. If it is not an emergency, call 101 or report online Call 999 BSL to use a British Sign Language interpreter. | 
