Crime and Violence
Crime and Violence
Pubs, clubs and festivals can be great fun but also potentially dangerous places because of large crowds gathering together, with lots of people under the influence of alcohol or drugs, where perceptions can be distorted, inhibitions reduced and minor tensions easily escalate. In the UK about one in five violent crimes occurs in or near pubs and clubs, with younger people more likely to be a victim of violence than older people and a large minority of both victims and offenders likely to have been drinking. A recent survey by Mixmag/the Guardian found that one in five recreational drug users have been taken advantage of after drinking or taking drugs, with women and 16-20 year olds more vulnerable to attack.
So follow these simple tips to stay safe:
Look after your friends. If you arrive together, leave together, and if for any reason you get split up, make sure you check that they got home safely;
It might sound like a bad idea when it comes from your parents but let someone else know where you are going and when you will be back. If not your parents then a friend.
Remember to save some money to get back home, for a taxi or public transport;
Always use a registered taxi. Never get in a private car if a stranger stops and offers to give you a lift home;
If walking through the streets at night, stay in busier and better lit places, even if it means taking a slightly longer route. Walk tall – more confident people are less likely to be assaulted.
Be discreet with your money and belongings. Electronic equipment makes easy pickings so be careful with your MP3 player, smart phone, tablet and camera and preferably keep them in a zipped pocket or compartment of your bag. If you flash the cash, you are more likely to attract the attentions of someone who wants to grab it;
Think twice about when you listen to your MP3 in the street – not only is it an attractive target to thieves, it might make you less likely to hear someone approaching you;
Take extra care when using cash machines – it is easy access money for thieves as well as you;
If you are planning to drink or take drugs, take extra care in planning your night out beforehand as your decision making and judgement may become a bit fuzzy later on;
A mobile phone is stolen every 3 minutes in the UK. You could keep an old mobile phone to use with your key contact programmed into it that you can take out at night so it doesn’t matter if it gets lost, stolen or dropped down the toilet, or worse, the festival Portaloo (oh yes it happens)!
Victim Support helps people cope with the effects of crime: www.victimsupport.co.uk
