SAFETY ADVICE FOR WOMEN
| Published: 25th July 2008 20:24 |
Women in Ipswich are being offered personal safety alarms following the allegation of abduction and rape in the town in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The alarms can be obtained from Suffolk County Council's reception at Endeavour House and will also be available from Town Pastors who patrol the streets of the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights.
The county council's advice to all women out on their own is:
* Do not hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers or unlicensed taxis
* Plan your route there and back. Avoid short cuts through unlit or deserted areas
* Try to walk in groups
* Let someone know where you are going and your time of return
* Have keys ready - so that you can get into your house or car quickly
* Beware of surroundings - a personal stereo may prevent you from hearing traffic or somebody approaching behind you
* If you think you are being followed, go to the nearest public place, such as a pub or shop, and call the police on 999
* Walk facing the traffic - so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed
* If a car stops and the occupant asks for directions, keep your distance
* If you are confronted, use your alarm and run; or scream and shout to attract attention
