Business Acquaintances
Do not hold business meetings in your hotel room. Think twice before allowing other people to store their belongings in your room as its an open invitation for them to come and retrieve them. Use the concierge storing service instead.
Car
Considering investing in a key-fob activated car alarm so that you can active your car alarm from close by if needed.
Company Identification †
If you work for an organisation that receives unwelcome attention from the public, try to hide anything that would make you identifiable as an employee of that organisation.
Drink spiking
Its not only bars and nightclubs where one might be at risk from somebody dropping drugs into your drink, think about coffee meetings in hotel lounges etc. Beware of leaving your drink unattended and be wary of drinking anything that you haven’t opened yourself or hasn’t been poured by a waiter.
Destination
Try and arrive at your destination before dark and pre-check you can get into any buildings beforehand.
Driving †
Put together an emergency kit for your car, this might include an extra coat, a torch, bottled water and spare change. Join a vehicle recovery service and check the representative’s ID when they respond to your call.
When driving to meetings, try to plan where you will park before you go. If safer to do so, park as close to your destination as possible. If you will be returning after dark, consider what the area will be like then and try to park near street lights. Keep your doors looked in built-up areas and stop-start traffic. Do not keep valuables on display where they could be grabbed through an open window or unlocked door.
Road rage incidents are rare and, by not responding to aggression from other drivers, can often be avoided. If the driver of another car forces you to stop and then gets out of his/her car, stay in your car, keep the engine running and if you need to, reverse to get away.
Handbag
It’s a fact that handbags and their contents are becoming increasingly more valuable as we carry our mobile phones, blackberry’s, money, cards and cosmetics. Evaluate what you really need to carry around with you and what would be really inconvenient if it’s stolen. For example, is it essential that you take all your loyalty cards and address book to a business meeting or can they stay in your hotel safe? Have copies of your credit card, driving licence and other important documents so aid recovery or replacement if they are lost or stolen.
Hire Car
Make sure the car has sufficient fuel before you embark on your journey. Remove all obvious signs that you are driving a hire car, such as literature and advertising banners.
Home
Leave details of your itinerary and hotel with somebody back home.
Hotel
See details on our female friendly hotels section and try to book a hotel that takes care of your personal comfort and safety concerns. If you plan to be late, contact the hotel to ensure they will hold your room. Do not allow visitors into your room or to store their belongings there. Always lock your door when inside your room. If the door to your room is ajar when you arrive, do not enter the room but report it to the hotel staff.
International Travel
Always be aware of local customs with regards to dress and appearance, firstly not to offend the locals but to ensure you don’t invite unwanted attention.
Name Badges
When leaving the office or a conference be sure to take off your security or name badge, these often hold information that you wouldn’t want to share with a stranger.
Parking your car †
Avoid using poorly lit car parks. Whenever possible, choose a manned car park and park as close as you can to the attendant. Reverse into the space. Hide away all valuables and obvious possessions. Make sure the interior light is working. Shut all windows. Lock all doors. Note exactly where you have parked your car.
When parking in a car park, consider where the entrances and exits are. Try to avoid having to walk across a lonely car park to get to your car. Park away from pillars/barriers. If you can, reverse into your space so you can drive away easily.
If you collect a ticket on entering the car park, do not leave it in the car, as this will make it easier for a thief to steal your vehicle. When returning to your car, have your keys ready so that you can get in quickly. Before entering scan the back seat to check no-one has climbed in. Once you are in the car lock the doors immediately and drive off quickly.
Public Transport
Make sure you have timetable and tickets or fare information before you travel. Try to stand with a group of people when waiting for public transport, in well-lit areas and near emergency alarms and CCTV cameras. Have details of alternative routes, connections and later buses and trains in case of a delay or diversion. If something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable, act upon your instinct. It may be better to move seats before a problem arises.
Talking on the telephone
Beware of how much information you give away about yourself whilst speaking on your mobile phone in a public place or public transport. Always make sure you take a charger with you (and adapter where necessary), so you’re not caught out in an emergency. Many hotels will have spare mobile phone chargers.
Taxi’s †
Always use a taxi or licensed minicab. Taxis (Hackney Carriages) can be hailed in the street. They look like purpose–built taxis or black cabs and have an illuminated taxi sign on the roof. Licensed minicabs cannot be hailed in the street. They must be pre-booked. The driver should have ID and the vehicle will have some sort of license displayed on it. Where possible use a female only taxi company such as Pink Ladies http://www.pinkladiesmembers.co.uk/index.php
Cars cruising the streets looking for customers are illegal, uninsured and potentially very dangerous. Carry the telephone number of a trusted, licensed company with you. If possible, book a taxi or minicab in advance. Ask for the driver's name, as well as the make and colour of the car.
Confirm the driver’s details when they arrive – is it the taxi or minicab you ordered? If you are ordering a cab from a public place, try not to let people overhear your name and address - anyone could pretend to be your cab. Sharing a taxi or minicab with a friend and sitting in the back of the car are also good safety strategies. If you chat to the driver, be careful not to give out any personal details.
Never use taxis or minicabs that are not licensed. If you do you are getting into a vehicle with a stranger. Many people who have used these cabs have been the victims of crimes such as theft, assault and rape.
IF YOU FEEL THREATENED:
Remember to trust your instincts - if you are at all worried - ask the driver to stop in a busy area, and get out of the car.
If the driver refuses to stop, use a mobile (if you have one) to call the police and alert other drivers and pedestrians by waving or calling out of the window.
Valuables
Only carry the minimum necessary while working and do not draw attention to yourself by overtly displaying valuables, e.g. mobile phone, pda, expensive jewellery etc. If you have to carry valuable equipment e.g. laptops, ask your employer for guidance on how to do this as safely as possible. Your safety is always more important than your possessions, if somebody tries to steal your possessions it is safer to give them up. Do not attempt to recover any stolen items yourself; contact the police. †
Spread your valuables such as mobile telephone, wallet and keys about your person so that you minimise the risk of all of them being taken.
Walking
Always carry your (car) keys separately from your handbag, if your handbag is stolen you can still safely get home, if you are in an area where you feel threatened a key can be used as a weapon in an emergency.
Consider carrying a personal safety alarm. Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. A confident appearance (walking tall, normal pace, arms relaxed) will make you look less vulnerable. Try to avoid danger rather than confront it – keep to well-lit or busy streets and avoid danger spots as much as possible. Walking away from an argument can be a simple but effective way to prevent an incident.
† Information suppiled by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Why not print out this page and refresh yourself with all these tips periodically?