Today, we all face a range of potential threats – from criminals, fraudsters, antagonists and extremists.
The objective may be to cause embarrassment, inconvenience, fear or distress, but may include an intent to cause serious physical injury or worse.
It is important to identify and recognise situations where you are at risk, so you can avoid them, or if this is not possible – reduce them.
For example, most people are relatively vulnerable when:
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arriving/leaving home or place of work (particularly if alone or in the dark)
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entering or leaving a vehicle
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when regular journeys can be predicted (i.e. - the same route, by the same method (bus/car), time and day)
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answering the door at home or at work (to unknown persons)
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working alone
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being distracted when using an electronic device in a public place
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unusual or new surroundings
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whilst travelling (home or abroad)
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interacting online
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attending crowded places (with strangers such as nightclubs and sporting events)
The advice in this booklet is largely based on general crime prevention principles.
If these principles are integrated into your daily routine they could help to significantly reduce the risk to your personal security.