Streetsafe

Streetsafe is one of five 'safe' initiatives introduced by the Gloucestershire Constabulary, designed to tackle crime across the county. Special tactics are used to defuse situations and deter offenders before crime occurs.
 
In addition to the work of the Constabulary, there are many things you can do yourself to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. Taking simple precautions and planning ahead will help you stay safe on the streets of Gloucestershire.

Immobilise is a website that is endorsed by the Constabulary that enables members of the public to create a free private and secure portfolio of personal property.

Personal Safety

Violence is not as prevalent as the media might suggest. Statistically you are still more likely to be subject of violence from someone you know than from a stranger on the street. Personal Safety is not just an issue for women - evidence suggests that 'stranger' violence affects men more than women.
 
Fear of attack is often far greater than the actual risk, but there are simple measures which everyone can take to help protect themselves. Make yourself aware and responsible for your personal safety - keep yourself safe.

When walking and jogging:

• Never hitchhike.

• Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially after dark.

• Avoid short cuts and deserted areas; try to keep to well-lit busy streets.

• After dark avoid areas where someone could hide.

• Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid using personal stereos or radios.

• Don't wear a lot of jewellery, no matter how inexpensive, a potential thief might not be able to see the difference.

• Carry your bag close to your body, if possible with the opening towards your body.

• Don't be flash with your cash or mobile phones. Keep their use discreet and put them away after use.

• Have your keys at hand and easily accessible.

• Consider carrying a personal attack alarm.

• Make sure that you have a telephone card or change to make a telephone call, but remember - emergency 999 calls are free of charge.

On a Night Out:

• Think ahead - consider how you are going to get home. What about pre-booking a taxi or arranging a lift with a friend or family member?

• Make sure that you stay with your party and that someone knows where you are at all times.

• Where possible, don't walk home alone.

• Steer clear of trouble - if you see any trouble or suspect that it might be about to start, alert the police and keep away.

• Walk with confidence and be wary of casual requests from strangers, like someone asking for a cigarette or change.

• Avoid carrying your wallet in your back trouser pocket.

Keeping your Mobile Phone Safe:

• Mark your phone with indelible pen, including the battery and the battery cover.

• Use a pin number to prevent your phone from being used if it is stolen.

• Before you go out, consider whether you really need to take your mobile phone.

• Do not wear your phone on a belt clip; ensure that it cannot be seen.

• Think about your surroundings before using your phone; try not to attract too much attention.

• When in public areas switch your phone to vibrate mode so it does not attract attention if it rings.

• Keep a note of the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) number and the number of your service provider in case the worst happens.

Should your mobile phone be stolen or lost, then ring 08701 123 123. This will enable your phone to be 'stunned' rendering it useless to the thief even if the SIM card is changed.

Keeping your Credit Card Safe:

• Don't let your card out of your sight. Guard your card when making a transaction.

• Carefully discard receipts from card transactions to prevent others from acquiring information about you and your cards.

• Check your receipts against your statements and if you find an unfamiliar transaction contact your card issuer immediately.

• Never write down your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and never disclose it to anyone, even if they claim to be from your card issuer or the police.

• Report lost or stolen cards to your card issuer immediately. The 24-hour emergency number is on your last statement or call directory enquiries on 192.

• Sign any new cards as soon as they arrive. Ensure that you cut up the old cards as soon as the new ones become valid.

• Don't keep your chequebook with your cards.

• Never leave cards unattended and keep your bag or briefcase on your lap when using public transport.

• At work keep your bag and other personal belongings locked in a cupboard or drawer.

When using a cash machine:

• Be aware of your surroundings.

• Shield your Personal Identity Number (PIN) from people near you.

• Only key in your PIN when prompted by the cash machine.

• Never tell anybody your PIN - not even the bank or the police.

• Never accept help from strangers at the cash machine.

• Cancel your card immediately if it is retained by the cash machine, lost or stolen.

• DO NOT write down your PIN and keep it with your card.