Staying safe on a night out

Advice for a safe night out

Greenwich has lots of places to visit on a night out. Taking the time to think about your personal safety and taking a few simple precautions can make a huge difference to help keep you and others safe.

If you are out in a venue and concerned for your or someone else’s safety or need to report an incident, please speak to a bar/venue staff member immediately – you could ‘Ask for Angela’ – this code-phrase lets a trained member of staff know that you need help!

If you are in immediate danger, call the police by dialling 999.

Top tips to stay safe:

  • make sure your phone is charged before you go out and you are able to make calls
  • keep a small amount of money in your clothing, just in case you lose your purse or wallet and need to contact someone or get yourself home
  • stay with your friends: do not allow anyone to leave alone, or with someone they don’t know or trust
  • never leave your drink unattended. It takes a matter of seconds for someone to tamper with it and put you in danger
  • avoid walking alone at night: keep to well-lit roads and make sure someone knows where you are at all times
  • avoid shortcuts that go through dark isolated areas
  • if you are carrying a bag, try to hold it across your chest with your hand over the fastening
  • let people know where you are going and your expected return home
  • share your location with trusted people
  • you may consider downloading a personal safety app
  • don’t carry any valuables on your person that you do not need, for example credit cards of important documents. Be discreet with your belongings – keep any valuables you are carrying out of sight as much as possible
  • be aware of your surroundings: talking on a mobile phone or using ear phones can distract you from what is going on around you and also alerts thieves that you have something to steal

Getting home

  • if you find yourself needing a taxi, make sure you pre-book a private hire car through a licensed minicab operator you’ve used before and trust. Always check that the minicab you ordered is the one you get into
  • if you have any problems with the driver, report it to the police and try and take down the licence ID details or take a photo
  • if you prefer to take public transport, make sure you check the times of your last train or bus home
  • if you can, walk to the relevant station or bus stop with a friend
  • share your location with trusted people

Helping you Live Well in Greenwich

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