Step 1: Out and About
Stick to well lit, busy areas. Know your route.
Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
Don't take short cuts if they take you through badly lit isolated areas.
Step 2: Be aware
Don't impede your senses; avoid hoods, earphones, mobiles.
Step 3: Valuables
Ideally sling your bag your body with the fastenings towards you. Distribute your valuables about your person; don't make you bag something to fight for.
Get your keys ready before you reach your front door
Step 4: Traffic
Walk facing on-coming traffic.
If a car slows to talk to you turn around, stand away from the window. If you have to, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
Avoid walking past stationary cars with the engine running and someone in it.
Step 5: Cash points
Make sure nobody is hovering nearby, don't count your money in the street or flash you cash.
Step 6: Clothing
We have the right to wear what we like. But consider the effect it may have on others.
Wear clothes that are easy to move in
Step 7: Being Followed
Cross the road and check to see if you are still being followed.
Get to a busy area. If necessary call the police.
1. STAY ALERT
When walking down the street, be aware of who is behind you and who is in front of you. If you are nervous that someone may be following you, a good trick is to go 'window shopping', says self defence expert John Davies of Basis Training UK, an organisation which teaches people self defence.{1} 'If you feel nervous about someone walking behind you, just pretend to be looking into a shop window,' says Davies.
'This gives them the chance to pass. It also means you can use the reflection of the shop window to see who is across the road and walking behind you.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-146197/How-stay-safe-streets-winter.html#ixzz2qAFyAAiL
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook 2. TRY NOT TO USE YOUR MOBILE PHONE IN THE STREET
Mobile thefts have risen dramatically recently, with around 15,000 mobiles in Britain stolen each month. Apart from advertising the fact that you have a mobile phone which can attract a potential attacker, having a conversation prevents you from being aware of what's going on around you.
This could mean you don't notice someone crossing the road behind you - or lurking in shop doorways. There are other disadvantages too. If you're busy chatting on the phone and then you are attacked, this can prevent you from phoning the police or someone else who could come to your rescue. If your mobile does ring, avoid answering it in an open space. Try to find a shop doorway and back yourself into this spot. This ensures noone is behind you and enables you to see who is coming towards you.
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{2}3. WALK IN THE CENTRE OF THE PAVEMENT
Self defence experts recommend walking in the middle of the pavement - and not too close to doorways. This means you avoid the path of strange people lurking in doorways - and avoid any danger from passing cars.
Also, try to walk close to crowds and well-lit areas. If you have to enter a car park or supermarket lift late at night, wait for a crowd of people and follow them in - so you are not walking in quiet places alone.
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4. SHOUT FIRE, NOT HELP
If you are being attacked, self defence experts recommend shouting 'fire' not 'help'. This is because hearing the word 'fire' is guaranteed to attract more people's attention for the simple reason that they think it could affect them too.
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5. ORGANISE A BUDDY SYSTEM
It sounds obvious, but just letting someone know what time you are expected home can be crucial to your safety. This means if you are late - and friends or family know where you are - they can raise the alarm. Self defence experts recommend putting in place a 'buddy' system where you ring or text a friend or partner to let them know if you are running late and what time you are expected home.