Keep safe on the streets!

POLICE in Yeovil and South Somerset are urging people to stay safe this winter and avoid becoming the latest victims of late-night assaults and muggings.

As the nights draw in and the party season approaches, more and more people will be out after dark.

And a police spokesman said: "We want everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe this winter and by following some basic personal safety tips, you can help to keep yourself safe when out and about."       

Follow these tips to stay safe:

• If you're on a night out, consider how you're going to get home. Pre-book a taxi with a registered company or arrange a lift. Avoid walking home alone if possible, but if you do have to walk, avoid quiet or badly-lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks and stick to well-lit areas.

• If you do take a taxi, always use a registered taxi company or hackney cab – never use an unlicensed minicab.

• Be wary of casual requests from strangers, like someone asking for a cigarette or change.

• When going to your car or home, have your keys ready at hand.

• Be vigilant when using cash machines. Make sure nobody is hovering nearby and don't count your money in the middle of the street. Try not to use a cashpoint late at night or in a deserted street.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Remember if you are chatting on your mobile phone or listening to music, you may be distracted from what's going on around you.

• Carry your bag close to your body and consider carrying a personal attack alarm. This may help you feel more reassured and can be used to frighten an attacker and alert other people if you are in danger.

• Try not to keep all your valuables in one place. It's a good idea to keep valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket, rather than a back pocket where it's in clear view and could easily be taken.

• Take responsibility for your friends – let each other know how you're getting home and text each other when you get there. Don't let a drunk friend go home alone.

For more information about crime reduction advice - phone your local neighbourhood police team on 101.

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