Back to School 'Stay Safe' Advice

Posted on September 4, 2012

Students are being reminded to 'Stay Safe' on their journeys to and from school now the mornings are getting darker as the new term gets underway.       

Plenty of tips and advice on personal safety have been handed out by local police teams at events aimed at young people during the summer holidays and this work continues throughout the new academic year as part of Bedfordshire Police's continued work with schools and educational establishments.

Richard Denton, Children and Young People Development Officer and School Coordinator for Bedfordshire Police said: "For the vast majority of pupils the journey to and from school is safe and uneventful, however, some young people tell us they have concerns about personal safety, who we continue to help."

Whether walking, cycling or taking public transport to get to school, youngsters are getting the best start they can by following our simple advice. We actively encourage parents and guardians to discuss personal safety with their children and any other concerns they may have. This will improve their confidence and help ensure a safe, enjoyable start to the school year for everyone." 

Personal Safety advice includes:

• If possible walk with a friend or group of friends.
• Stay alert - Keep an eye on everything that is happening around you.
• Avoid wearing earphones or chatting on your mobile phone, as this will distract you from your surroundings and you may not see or hear trouble approaching. The sooner you are aware of potential danger, the easier it is to avoid it.
• Keep both hands free and don't weigh your-self down with lots of heavy bags - you need to be able to move easily.
• Trust your instincts – If you have a 'funny feeling' about someone or something, don't ignore it, act on it straight away.
• Take the route you know best and stick to busy, well-lit streets.
• Walk in the middle of the pavement, facing oncoming traffic. This will avoid any cars driving up alongside you as you walk.
• Think about your route home. Where would be a safe place to go if something went wrong? Safe places might be busy places like shops or garages, friends' houses or a police station.
• Have your keys ready so you can get into your home quickly.
• If using public transport always wait for a bus or train in a well-lit place and near other people if possible.
• Try to sit near the driver or guard and make sure you can see as much of the bus deck or carriage as possible.
• Have your travel pass/correct change ready, so that your purse or wallet stays out of sight.
• Always give away your bag, purse or wallet rather than fighting to keep it. Your things can be replaced – you can't.
• Your voice can be one of your best forms of defence. Don't be embarrassed to make as much noise as possible to attract attention.
• If you are on a bus or train you can press the alarm. Train platforms have telephones situated at the Help Points – these will connect you immediately to the British Transport Police or station staff.
• You could also phone 999. The operator will ask for name, address, emergency you require – give the information as clearly as you can and ask for the police.

Make sure your phone and other valuables are security marked and registered on http://www.immobilise.com/ you may also wish to consider downloading a tracking application for phones and computers. These applications can be traced should your phone be stolen and may help the police track down offenders so your property can be returned.