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.

Related topic: Keeping Safe

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 leaves you more vulnerable to accidents or attack. Know your limits and stick to them. Keep an eye out for friends overdoing it, too.
• Look out for your friends when you go out. Stay with them. Being part of a group makes you safer.
• Don't leave your drink unattended. Watch out for people trying to make you drunk, e.g. by buying doubles when you asked for singles. If someone insists on buying you drinks you don't want, refuse or spill them.
• Don't get into fights yourself. If your friends are getting into arguments, tell them to calm down. It's easy to get badly injured when you're drunk. Just being hit or pushed over can be very dangerous.
• If someone's threatening you, tell the bouncer or barman. If someone is being aggressively racist, homophobic or sexist, walk away. If they follow you, 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.

Report it: Report Racism for racist abuse and attacks, Halt for homophobic abuse and attacks Oxford Sexual Abuse and Rape Crisis Line for sexual abuse, rape, sexual violence, and harassment.

Getting home at night

Going home at night is when young people are most at risk of being attacked. Look out for your mates, 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.

Related topics: Alcohol and safer drinking, keeping safe