Street crime
Street crime is any type of crime that occurs outside when you're on the street. It can be robbery, theft, harassment, criminal damage or assault and can happen to anyone. But young people may be especially at risk because they are out and about a lot and may also be involved in gangs.
Of course, these crimes don't just happen in the street. They can happen anywhere - at school, at home, in parks, at clubs and leisure centres. You might know the person who does it to you; or it could be a stranger. Wherever it happens, or whoever does it, it is still a crime.
Personal safety tips
There are a few things you can do to help reduce the risk of it happening. Here are some ideas.
- Carry a personal alarm
- Avoid dark or lonely short cuts
- Stay in groups
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Think about safe places to walk like well-lit areas and shops
- Look out for each other
- When you are out and about, try to look confident
- Trust your instincts - if you feel unsafe, get away
- Before you go out, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
- Keep expensive possessions hidden
- Don't listen to music when you're out and about (or use only one headphone so you are still aware of what's going on around you)
- Learn self-defence
- Never accept lifts from strangers or someone you don't know very well
Want to know more? The Suzy Lamplugh website also has loads of useful factsheets.
Contact
your local office,
call Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 or email us at
supportline@victimsupport.org.uk