Personal safety

Useful hints and tips to help you protect yourself and stay safe.

Buses and trams

• Know where you are going and the stop you need.
• Check departure times, especially times for the last buses and trains where stations can be very isolated.
• Have your ticket or change handy to ensure your wallet or purse stays out of sight.
• On an empty or late-night bus, sit near the driver or conductor where you'll feel safer.
• On a train, sit in a compartment where there are several people.
• If you feel uneasy, move to another seat or carriage or sit near to the emergency alarm.
• Don't be afraid to use an emergency alarm - check where it is when you get on the tram.
• Make use of CCTV - Many bus, tram and train stations have CCTV, check where they are and when alone sit near to them.

Travelling by car

• Keep your doors locked at all times.
• Keep bags, phones, and valuables out of sight.
• Park in a well lit area and look for police approved 'Safer' or 'Secured Car Park' signs.
• Do not give lifts to, or accepts lifts from people you do not know.
• If you don't want to take all your valuables with you then lock them out of sight in the boot.

Taxis

• Only the traditional black cabs can be hailed in the street. Private hire cars must be booked in advance.
• Be mindful if a private hire vehicle is touting for business off the street, as they may not even be private hire cars.
• Always use a reputable company and when calling make sure you cannot be overheard.
• Make sure the driver is wearing an identity badge.
• If you feel uneasy in the taxi ask to be let out where there are a lot of people in a well-lit area.
• Check the taxi has a licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. This is different from the vehicle registration plate and is normally yellow with black writing with the name of the licensing authority.

Avoid danger spots

• Never isolate yourself by walking down dark alleys, waste ground, and alleyways or take secluded short cuts.
• Keep to well-lit streets if possible.
• If you see something you are not happy with or you think you are being followed cross the road. If you feel threatened don't be afraid to ask for help from passers by, or go into a place where there are other people (pubs, restaurants, etc).
• If there are no such places about, knock on a house with a light on and ask for help.
  If you are threatened make as much noise as is possible, shout, scream or set off your personal attack alarm. If you haven't got an alarm they can be purchased from most police stations in Bury and DIY stores, they only cost a couple of pounds and will draw attention to you and deflect the offender.

Jogging or cycling

• Stick to well-lit roads and pavements and change your route regularly.
• Keep to main paths and open spaces where you can see and be seen by others and always avoid wooded or concealed areas.
• Consider wearing florescent clothing or strips - this will ensure you can be seen.
• Carry a personal attack alarm; you can purchase wrist alarms from most police stations in Bury.

Staying safe when you are out and about

• Always trust your instincts. If you hear that little voice inside you saying something is not quite right, never ignore it.
• Plan your route and know where you're going and walk with confidence.
• Most town and city centres now have comprehensive CCTV systems which have been installed for your safety familiarise yourself as to where the cameras are and when walking through cities and town centres alone try and stay on streets where the cameras are.
• Don't take short cuts through alleys, parks, waste ground or quiet roads and always walk facing the traffic therefore you are less vulnerable to cars pulling over from behind you.
• Never accept lifts from strangers and do not hitch hike.
• Always cover up expensive looking jewellery at least until you get to your destination.

Keep your wallet, purse or valuables out of sight

• Use an inside pocket where possible or consider using a body belt or "bum" bag.
• Always keep some money separate from your handbag this way if your bag does get stolen, you can get still get home.
• Don't use mobile phones outside in the street, keep them hidden.
• Mp3 players, iPods etc. are all attractive to robbers, if they can be clearly seen you become an easy target.
• Don't plug yourself into to headphones, if you can't hear what's going on around you then you are vulnerable to attack.

Using a mobile phone

• Register your phone with your network provider and keep a note of the IMEI number. This is the phones serial number and can be accessed by dialling *#06#.
• Get your mobile registered on the Mobile Equipment National Database (MEND) to increase your chances of getting it back if it is lost or stolen. MEND is the only police approved registration programme for mobile electronic goods and you can manage your account online for free.
• Be discreet when using your mobile phone and be aware of what is happening around you.
• Don't use it in crowded situations where it can be easily snatched from you.
• Don't text while you walk.
• Don't leave it unattended.
• Use the PIN facility.
• Remember, mobile phones are expensive items and very attractive to a thief.
• If the worst should happen and it gets stolen then report the theft to the police and get the handset barred by phoning your network provider you will need your IMEI number to do this. In this way the handset is then useless to a thief.

Keeping your bag or briefcase safe

• Ensure you're bag opening is facing towards your body and the strap if possible is across your shoulder.
• Don't keep your keys in the bag/briefcase. If your bag is snatched, you won't lose the keys as well.
• Remember, if your bag is snatched, do not confront the thief, as your safety is far more important than property.

Cash points

• Take care at cash points. Think about when you need to withdraw cash - 2pm in the afternoon when there are other people about is much better than 2am in the morning when the street is quiet.
• Take out only what you need and put it straight into your wallet or purse; don't walk around with bundles of cash in your hand or pocket.
• If you see somebody suspicious hanging around the cash point walk away and go back later.
• Never keep your PIN with your cash card.
• Don't ask people to withdraw cash on your behalf and never give your cash card/pin number or details of your bank account to anyone.

Bury nominated neighbour scheme

The nominated neighbour scheme has been set up to prevent elderly and vulnerable residents from becoming victims of distraction burglary, bogus calls or rogue traders.

The scheme uses a specially developed card, which can be easily used by anyone including those with a visual impairment. When the card is shown to the caller it replaces any need for the occupant to open the door and enter into conversation with that person. The card advises any unidentified or unexpected caller to go to the address of a 'Nominated Neighbour'. This person can be a friend or relative who will check the callers identity and if they are genuine return with them whilst the visit takes place.

Genuine callers will be happy to contact the nominated neighbour and bogus callers will fail to gain access, this will send a strong message that the local community is alert to their activities and the scheme will act as a deterrent and stop them returning in the future.

Anyone interested in joining the scheme can contact their local Crime Reduction Advisor on 0161 856 8046 or Neighbourhood Policing Team for further information. 

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