Safety on the street

 It's a good idea to plan your journey

  • It's always a good idea before you go out to consider how you are going to get home, e.g. Can you travel home with a friend or family?  Do you know what time the last bus or train leaves? 
  • Prepare for your day before you leave – consider what you might need 
  • Tell someone your plans
  • You could consider carrying a personal alarm
  • Use google street view, which is particularly useful for identifying landmarks in an unknown area before you set off

When walking from or to home 

  • Try to use well-lit, busy streets and use the route you know best
  • Plan your route before you set off
  • Avoid higher risk areas
  • If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road, turning to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Head to a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call the police

Keep aware of your surroundings

  • Always be aware when using cashpoint machines. If there are signs of tampering or people acting suspiciously, do not use it
  • Always keep your valuables in one place. It’s a good idea to keep valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket of your clothes or handbag. Keeping a separate amount of cash or a bank card from your main purse or wallet is a good idea too
  • You may want to carry a personal safety alarm which can be used to shock and distract an attacker and alert other people who may be able to help

Booking a Black Taxi or mini cab home

Black Taxis can be hailed off the street or from one of more than 600 ranks across London.

You can also book them by phone or app. Every Black Taxi has a card machine, so if you don't have cash don't worry you will be able to pay using credit, debit or contactless.

You can book minicabs directly with a licensed minicab company via app, phone, or at their office. It's important you receive a booking confirmation, which could be by text message, app, email or - if you're in a minicab office - paper receipt. The booking confirmation must contain, as a minimum:

  • The vehicle registration mark
  • The first name of the driver
  • The driver's private hire licence number
  • Where the passenger can receive it, a photo of the driver

Remember if the driver or the car picking you up isn't the same as in your booking confirmation, don't get in the car - it isn't safe.

Never use an unbooked minicab - they are dangerous and illegal.

More information is available at TFL.

To find out more about women's resources visit our site with lots of useful support.