Though personal safety is not a specific gender issue, men and women experience crime differently and it is important to remember this so that you can protect yourself as well as possible.

You should think about how you would act in different situations before you are in them. Think about whether you would stay and defend yourself (using reasonable force), risking further injury, or whether you would give an attacker what they want, to avoid injury. There is nothing wrong with doing either, but you should think about the options ahead of time. There will be no time to do so if you are attacked.

Some general points:

• You will be safest in bright, well lit and busy areas.
• Try to look and act confident – look like you know where you are going and walk tall.
• You might like to spread your valuables around your body (i.e., phone in your bag, wallet in your trousers, keys in your jacket).
• Whenever possible, travel with a friend or in a group.
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may just be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury.
• You can use reasonable force in self-defense. You are allowed to protect yourself with something you are carrying as a normal matter of course (i.e., keys).
• If you decide to defend yourself, be aware that your attacker might be stronger than you, or may take what you are using in self-defense and use it against you. It is often better just to shout loudly and run away!
• Shout 'fire' rather than 'help' – it can get more results.
• If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair.
• Try not to be conspicuous about the valuables you are carrying. Talking on your mobile phone, carrying a laptop, or showing your friend your new gold ring all show thieves that you are worth robbing.
• When out walking or jogging, you should not listen to a personal stereo through headphones, so you can stay more alert to your surroundings.
  

Protecting Personal Belongings

Depending what is stolen, you may need to take a specific action to ward off further problems or increase the chance of having the stolen items found or returned

Cell phones

• If your cell phone is stolen, report your number to your network provider and the police. The handset can now be barred on all networks and will be useless to thieves.
• Register your cell phone with your network operator.
• Stay alert – your cell phone is a valuable item. When you are out, be aware of your surroundings

Credit cards

• Keep your credit cards separate from other valuables on your person.
• If your credit cards are stolen, call your bank or credit card company as soon as possible. Most banks put the number to call if your cards are stolen on your statement. They are also often shown on cash machines.