From ATMOSPhere - Oxford City's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership

The chances that you will be a victim of a violent crime is low. Violent crimes are rare. But they are very frightening, and many people worry that they will be attacked, or their friends or family.

Though the risks are low there are lots of simple things you can do to improve your safety.

General Safety

• Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. If someone grabs your bag, let go. If you hang on you could get hurt. Remember your safety is more important than your property.
• Carry your house keys, wallet and mobile in a secure, inside pocket.
• Use cash machines in daylight, or in well lit areas. Some are covered by CCTV cameras so look out for the signs. Put your cash away quickly and be aware of your surroundings. Cash is a favourite target for thieves, so try to avoid carrying large amounts.
• If you use a wheelchair, keep valuables beside you, rather than at the back of the chair.
• If you are attacked, dial 999 and ask for police. This will work on any phone. If you need an ambulance, the police will call for one for you.

Daylight robbery

Daytime theft is usually non-violent, but can still be very upsetting. Know how to avoid being targeted, and what to do if you are robbed:

• In public places, such as cafés, parks and libraries, keep your handbag close to you where you can see it. Keep the clasp or zip shut. Use handbag clips under tables, where they are provided.
• If someone bumps into you in a crowd, check right away to see if you still have your wallet or purse.
• If your bank card or details are stolen, tell the bank or card company right away, by phoning the emergency card theft number or visiting a branch of the bank. This will stop the thief being able to use your details to fraudulently buy goods or services.
• If you suffer a theft, report it as soon as possible to the police. This will help with recovering items, any investigations, and claiming insurance.

Staying safe and having fun

When you're out having a good time, you don't want to think about bad things happening. But there are some easy things you can do to make sure your night stays fun and safe for everyone.

• Drinking and taking drugs can leave you more vulnerable to accidents or attack. Know your limits and stick to them. Keep an eye out for friends who might be overdoing it, too.
• Look out for your friends when you go out and stay with them. Being obviously part of a group makes you much safer from theft or violence.
• Don't leave your drink unattended, and watch out for people trying to make you drunk, e.g. by buying doubles when you asked for singles. If someone's insistent about buying you drinks, refuse or spill them.
• Don't get into fights yourself, and if your friends are being dumb and starting trouble, tell them to calm down. It's easy to get badly injured even from just being hit or pushed over, especially if you're drunk.
• If someone's subjecting you to threats of violence or racial, homophobic or sexist abuse, don't try and deal with it yourself. Tell the bouncer or barman, or call the police, if you're in a public area.
• If you might end up going home with someone, carry condoms and remember to use them! Find out why.

Getting home at night

Going home at night is when young women and men are most at risk of being attacked. When you're out, look out for your mates, and make sure they look out for you, know how you're getting home, stick to your plan, and always carry the number of a taxi firm just in case.

• Be alert, walk with confidence and try to avoid dark or deserted areas. It's easy to get lost in an unfamiliar place, so always make sure you know your way back to your accommodation safely.
• Use public transport or a taxi where possible rather than walk home alone, especially if it's late or you have been drinking.
• Stay in a group. Three or more people are much less likely to be attacked, and you'll feel more confident and safe with your friends.
• Don't let someone you don't know walk you home.
• Avoid isolated bus stops. On an empty bus, sit near the driver. On a train, sit near several other people. Park your car somewhere well lit and get into it quickly.
• If you think someone is following you, head towards a busy or well-lit place, somewhere covered by CCTV, or somewhere there are other people, and call a friend or a taxi to come and pick you up.
• If you often get anxious walking home in the dark, a personal attack alarm can help you feel safe. Carry it in you hand so you can use it immediately to scare off an attacker. Make sure it is designed to continue sounding if it is dropped or falls to the ground.

Looking after your stuff

	Keep it safe	If it's stolen	More advice
Bike	Never leave your bike unlocked. Always lock it to something solid, e.g. lamp post, railings, cycle racks. If your bike has quick release wheels, lock up both of them.	Report the theft to the police, and your insurance company, if the bike is insured or covered by your household insurance.	Keep safe on the road: always wear a helmet, use reflectors and lights front and rear after dark. Know your highway code.
Car	Park your car in well-lit areas, use a car lock, and don't leave items of value in clear view in your car. Put them in the boot. Don't leave your car unlocked, even briefly.	Report the theft to the police right away, and also to your insurance company.	Drive safely, never drink if you are going to drive, and use seatbelts front and rear. Don't overload your car, and keep it in good repair.
Mobile	Keep your mobile in a secure, inside pocket. Be aware of your surroundings when you're on the phone. Don't use it in crowded areas or where you feel unsafe.	Report the theft to the police and to your mobile providor, and to your insurance company if it's covered by your insurance.	Police report that some people have been reporting their mobile stolen in order to get a new mobile. Don't do this, you will be prosecuted.
Home	Make sure you know who has a key to your house. Lock all doors and windows before you leave the house. Mark your property with your post code and house number using a security pen.	If you are a victim of burglary contact the police immediately who will provide you with advice and support.	If you feel unsafe at home because of threats from a partner or family member, get help at once. Domestic violence is a serious crime. Find out more.