As investigations continue to track down a teenage rapist who sexually assaulted a woman in a March park a national charity has issued safety guidelines to help women stay street safe.
The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, founded after 25 year old estate agent Suzy Lamplugh disappeared when she went to meet an unknown client, said: “It takes three things for a violent or aggressive incident to happen – a victim, a perpetrator and an opportunity.
“By taking some suitable safety precautions, you can reduce the opportunities and therefore the risk of becoming a victim.”
They added that fortunately risks were low but women should always be mindful of staying safe.
One of the biggest pieces of advice is do not walk along listening to music or talking on the phone as it reduces your awareness of danger approaching.
“You need to stay alert to your surroundings at all times because the sooner you become aware of potential danger the easier it is to avoid it,” they said.
“Always act on your instincts – if something looks or feels wrong it probably is, so don’t wait for your fears to be confirmed, get away from the situation as quickly as possible.”
Anybody with information should call 101 and quote reference CF0095150316.
Advice includes:
DOG WALKING OR OUT RUNNING
• Consider meeting up with others for safety in numbers
• Plan your route carefully and let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
• Avoid using the same route at the same time.
• Look confident and in control.
• It is safer to stick to busy routes and busy times when there are plenty of others about.
• Try to stay in open areas where you can see around you and be seen by others.
• If you’re in streets, ensure you walk/run towards oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.
• Carry a personal alarm with you
STREET SAFETY
• Plan ahead. Before you go out, think about how you are going to get home, eg can you travel home with a friend? What time does the last bus/train leave?
• Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly-lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
• If you do have to pass danger spots, think about what you would do if you felt threatened.
• Consider heading for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a garage or shop.
• Try and stay near a group of people.
• Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them.
• Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pockets.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers.
• 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. Make for a busy area and tell people what is happening. If necessary, call police.
• Beware of someone who warns you of the danger of walking alone and offers to accompany you. This is a ploy some attackers have been known to use.
Paul and Diana Lamplugh founded the Trust to offer advice, action and support after their daughter Suzy went missing in 1986.
Her body was never found and she was legally declared dead in 1993.
The Trust sells personal safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you vital seconds to get away.
They are available on the Suzy Lamplugh Trust website from £9.
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