Personal Security

It's important to remember that most crime is against property, not people. The risk of being a victim of a violent crime, such as assault or robbery, is very low.

However, people can find themselves feeling vulnerable to these offences – perhaps because of their age or ethnic origin – or because they are alone or because of where they happen to be at the time.

Out and about

• Before going out, make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back home. Don't forget to call them if your plans change or you are delayed
• You are safer in bright and busy areas. Avoid badly-lit alleyways, subways and deserted car parks. Wherever possible, walk with a friend or stay near a group of people
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. For example, if you're out walking or jogging do not listen to a personal music player through headphones
• Try to look confident and like you know where you're going. If you think you are being followed go to the busiest place you can find, such as a pub, or knock on somebody's door
• Keep your wallet or purse in an inside pocket and out of sight to thieves. Pickpockets like busy shops, streets and bars. The same applies if you are travelling on a crowded bus, train or tram
• Avoid carrying more cash and valuables with you than is absolutely necessary. Spread any valuables you do have around your body. Put them in different pockets rather than all of them in a bag
• If you're carrying a bag or briefcase make sure it is closed and carry it with the clasp facing towards you. Don't keep your keys in your bag or briefcase; if it is snatched you won't lose your keys as well
• If you use a wheelchair keep your valuables beside you, not at the back of the chair
• If you feel uncomfortable in any situation, such as a disturbance in the street, try to keep out of the way and get to a safe place
• If you're walking alone at night, walk facing oncoming traffic so you can be seen and to make it more difficult for vehicles to pull up behind you
• If you are threatened or attacked, make as much noise as possible by shouting, screaming or, if you have one, setting off a personal attack alarm. You can buy an alarm from most DIY shops
• If someone tries to steal something from you, it may be better to let them take it rather than to get into a confrontation and risk injury
• You can use reasonable force to defend yourself. The law does not allow you to carry a weapon but you are allowed to protect yourself with something you may be carrying anyway

Public transport

• Plan your journey. Know where you are going and the stop you need. Check departure times, particularly for last buses, trains and trams
• Try to wait in busy or well-lit areas and avoid isolated bus stops late at night. Many bus and train stations have CCTV cameras, so check where they are and sit near to them
• Have your ticket or fare handy so that your purse or wallet remains out of sight
• On board, sit near other people. Try to sit near the driver if you are on a bus, or near the conductor if you are on a train or tram
• Avoid using an empty upper deck of a bus or a vacant compartment or carriage on a train
• Move seats or carriages if someone makes you feel uncomfortable. Complain to the driver or conductor if someone is pestering you
• Where possible, arrange for someone to meet you at the stop or station you get off at
• Keep hold of any bags while on board, and keep your valuables out of sight

Taxis and private hire vehicles

• Always try to use a reputable taxi company that either you or someone you know and trust has used before
• Don't get into a private hire vehicle unless you've booked the car in advance. Only hackney carriages are allowed to carry passengers who have hailed them on the street or at a rank
• When booking a taxi ask for the driver's name, and the make and colour of the car
• When the car arrives ask for the driver's name and company and the name of the passenger they have come to collect. Don't volunteer the information first
• Make a note of the company you are using, and its telephone number, and if possible leave it with a friend
• Ensure that the hackney carriage or private hire vehicle is licensed by checking the licence plate (this is different to the registration plate) on the rear of the vehicle. Also check the driver's badge
• If you are travelling alone, sit in the back seat behind the driver
• If you feel uneasy at any point, ask to be let out in a well-lit area where there are a lot of people
• If you have any doubts about using a particular taxi, make an excuse and do not get into the vehicle

Student Safety

• Thieves frequently target student properties because they know students have rarely lived away from home before and may not be as security conscious as other people
• Student properties are particularly at risk of being burgled at the beginning of each term or after Christmas when freshers or returning students bring new possessions with them
• If you are a student, when you go out, even for just a few minutes, always ensure your laptop and other valuables are out of sight and your windows and doors are locked. Do the same when you go to bed at night
• Mark all your valuable items with your home postcode using an ultra-violet (UV) pen, and register all mobile electronic equipment with Immobilise on the online database.
• Insure your valuables against theft. Paying for insurance at the start of the term could save you a lot of hassle if you are burgled during term time
• Never let anyone into your halls of residence or shared home without checking their identity first. If a caller is legitimate they won't mind waiting while you check
• Don't leave empty electrical goods boxes outside your home as these indicate to thieves that there could be something worth stealing inside
• Never share access codes for halls of residence with anyone who is not a resident of your house, flat or halls of residence
• Get to know the area in which the university and your accommodation is located
• When out by yourself, look confident by walking quickly and purposefully
• Try to avoid walking home alone at night. Wherever possible use public transport and travel with friends
• Don't walk along talking on your mobile phone. You may not be fully aware of what is going on around you
• When going out, only take with you the money you need for the night, and keep your wallet or purse somewhere safe

Mobile Phones

• Register your phone with your network service provider and make a note of its IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. This is the phone's unique 15-digit serial number and can be accessed by keying *#06# on most phones
• Register the IMEI number free with Immobilise, the UK's largest register of property ownership and associated crime reports. Registration means that if your mobile is subsequently stolen, the police will be able to return it to you if it is recovered.
• Stay alert when using your mobile phone in a public place. Don't let criminals see that you have a phone worth stealing
• Don't use your phone in a crowded situation or wear it on your belt where it can easily be snatched
• Don't text while you walk. It can leave you unaware of what is happening around you
• Don't leave your phone unattended. Always make use of the Pin code facility
• If your mobile is stolen or lost, report it to your network service provider as quickly as possible so that the handset can be blocked on all networks and rendered useless to thieves
• If your phone is stolen or lost while you're out and about, and you don't know the number to call, you can find the correct number by ringing the Immobilise helpline on 08701 123 123 (calls are charged at local rate). If your mobile is stolen, report the theft to the police
• If your phone is registered with Immobilise and it gets stolen, visit the Immobilise website to report it as stolen

Home Security

Most burglaries are carried out by opportunist thieves. The criminals will target properties that they can enter easily and without being seen or disturbed.

All too often people become victims of burglary because their home is left insecure – no alarm is fitted and windows and doors are left unlocked.

Click on the links below to find out how you can reduce your likelihood of being burgled, and the steps you can take to help the police if you are.

Securing your home

• Look at your home through the eyes of a burglar. If you can get into your house without keys then so can a burglar
• Fit strong locks to all external doors and easy to reach windows – such as those on the ground floor, above flat roofs or near drainpipes
• External doors should be fitted with a five-lever mortise lock that conforms to British Standard BS3621. Before fitting a mortise lock you should check that the door and its frame are strong enough to support the lock. For more advice contact a qualified locksmith or visit your local DIY store
• Window locks with keys should be fitted to all downstairs and easy to reach windows. Even small windows, such as skylights, should be lockable – thieves can get through any gap larger than a human head
• A locked window is often enough to deter a criminal. Would-be thieves do not like to smash glass as the noise means they are likely to draw attention to their crime and they risk injuring themselves on broken glass
• Fit an approved burglar alarm to your home. A good quality alarm that is visible from the outside of the property will deter burglars
• Outside lighting will make your home less appealing to burglars and draw attention to anyone trying to break in
• When you're away from home use timer switches to make it appear your property is occupied. Timer switches connected to radios and lamps in rooms where curtains are drawn will make burglars think twice before attempting to break in

Garages and sheds

• Try to keep your garage door open only for as long as is necessary. If thieves can see there is something worth stealing from a garage they could come back later and break in
• As with items in your home, valuables stored in either a shed or a garage should be marked with your postcode and house number so if they are stolen and recovered you can be traced and reunited with your property
• Large expensive equipment, like lawn mowers, should be fastened to something bulky. Alternatively, fit anchor posts attached to the floor to provide a fixed point for locking your belongings to
• Keep your garage or shed door locked when it's not being used. Sheds and garages often contain expensive items, such as bicycles, lawnmowers and tools, and are frequently targeted by thieves
• A strong hasp bolted to both the door and frame can be used with a good padlock to add extra security to your shed or garage
• Ensure windows are secure by fitting internal bars or grilles
• Large expensive equipment should be fastened to something bulky. Alternatively, fit anchor posts attached to the floor to provide a fixed point for locking your belongings to
• As with items in your home, valuables stored in either a shed or a garage should be marked with your postcode and house number so if they are stolen and recovered you can be traced and reunited with your property

Immobilise property registration scheme

West Yorkshire Police is working in partnership with the Immobilise property registration scheme.

Registering your valuables with Immobilise means that if they are ever stolen, we will be able to return them to you if they are recovered.

Like all police forces, we have access to the Immobilise database and we actively check the database to see if property that we suspect is stolen has been registered by the rightful owner.

If we know property is stolen we can prosecute the offenders and return your valuables to you.

To register your property FREE OF CHARGE, visit the Immobilise website.

• Mark all your valuable property and electrical items with your postcode and house number using an ultra violet (UV) marker
• Keep a list of serial numbers for electrical items. This should be kept somewhere safe and passed to the police if the goods have been stolen.
• Register the serial numbers of your valuables FREE OF CHARGE with the Immobilise online database. Registration means that if your belongings are stolen, the police will be able to return them to you if they are recovered
• Photograph your jewellery, ornaments, paintings or any other items that cannot be security marked. You can register photographs of your valuables on Immobilise
• Never leave car keys where a burglar could easily reach them – such as on a key hook by a door. Keep keys out of sight or locked in a cabinet
• If you're going to be away from home, consider buying a small safe that is hidden and securely fixed, for storing cheque books, credit cards, passports, jewellery and any other valuable items

Vehicles

• Don't leave windows and roofs open on vehicles while they are unattended
• When leaving your vehicle make sure there is nothing on show
• If you have a satellite navigation (SatNav) system in your car remove it when you leave your vehicle and wipe away sucker marks from your windscreen

Business Security

It is a myth that there are no victims of business and retail crime. The effects are felt not only by employers and their workers but also by customers and the general public.

The British Chambers of Commerce estimates that retail and business crime costs businesses in the UK around £19 billion a year. To make up for this loss shops and companies have to charge their customers more.

Businesses can be affected by property crime, such as theft, fraud and forgery, as well as robbery and low-level problems such as vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Protecting your staff, premises, property and profits against crime makes sound business sense, and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

Business crime prevention top tips

• Have a crime prevention survey of your business carried out to identify any potential weaknesses in security.
• Seek advice from the police and your insurance company about crime prevention before investing – it may mean a reduction in your premiums.
• Good housekeeping pays. Untidy properties are soft targets for vandals and thieves – petty vandalism and nuisance can and does escalate to far more serious problems.
• Retailers should carefully consider store layout. Desirable goods should be near to staff and tills in clear view, away from exits. Where possible, place these in locked cabinets.
• CCTV - Check on a weekly basis that time and date of recordings are correct – having the incorrect time or date may result in the evidence being inadmissible in court. Don't forget your legal obligation to comply with the Data Protection Act. Clear signage and obvious cameras can help deter crime.
• Asset marking makes property easily identifiable and harder for criminals to sell on. If using ultraviolet methods, clear signage will assist in deterring offenders.
• Make use of free facilities such as Immobilise to register your company or home assets.
• IT security - ensure you use a firewall, have up-to-date anti-virus protection for IT software and make regular back ups of your data, preferably off site.
• Access control – know who is on your premises at all times. Ensure all staff and visitors wear ID badges and that visitors' or contractors' badges are clearly different to staff.
• Invest in good quality perimeter fencing – it can help safeguard your property.
• Effective external lighting helps deter criminals and is essential for other crime prevention measures to succeed.
• Keep trees and shrubbery well maintained so as to maintain good natural surveillance and visibility – don't give criminals the opportunity to work out of sight.

Retail security

• Always be vigilant when opening or closing the store. Criminals sometimes force staff into the shop and get them to open the safe or tills. Leave the till drawer open when the shop is closed
• Keep windows clear of posters and clutter to allow good visibility to areas outside the shop where people may be acting suspiciously
• Don't place high value goods outside the shop or near entrance doors where they are more likely to be stolen. Keep them close to the counter where staff can see them
• Always check details on credit and debit cards carefully. Look out for people who look nervous when making card purchases
• Be wary of shoplifters working in teams. While one is distracting staff, others could be stealing stock or opening the till
• Ensure your staff know what counterfeit bank notes look like, and encourage them to check the notes that customers hand to them
• Keep the back door locked to avoid thieves entering store rooms and stealing stock while staff are on the shop floor
• Keep shelves low enough for staff to see what shoppers are doing, and use mirrors to remove any blind spots
• Display notices advertising your security measures to deter would-be criminals
• Consider employing a security guard. This can put off offenders and reassure staff and customers
• Ensure all staff know who is responsible for locking up at the close of business. Audit keys regularly and if any are missing replace the locks as soon as possible
• Always remember to switch on the alarm when locking up. If you have CCTV, make sure it is recording 24 hours a day, with cameras pointing towards the door and high value goods

Protecting your stock and cash

• Think about the layout of your premises or shop and whether you can ‘design out' crime. For instance, keep shelves low so staff can see customers clearly. Keep expensive goods away from doors or out of sight to prevent attracting thieves' attention
• Keep attractive items such as televisions, stereos, computers and videos in secure storerooms or containers
• Security mark equipment and display signs explaining this to deter thieves
• Carry out regular stock takes
• Keep as little cash on the premises as possible
• Remove cash from the premises overnight, and leave the till empty and open Display prominent signs saying ‘No money left on the premises', Criminals usually only target places if they know there is something worth stealing
• Always bank safely. Count and prepare cash out of sight in a locked room and use professional cash collection and delivery services if you can
• If you do visit the bank to collect or pay in money, vary your route and time
• Plan your emergency response to a major incident such as an armed robbery, and make sure your staff know what to do in such an event

Robbery

• To minimise the risk and effects of robbery, always have more than one member of staff on duty, remain vigilant for any suspicious activity and do not keep unnecessarily large amounts of cash on your premises
• Ensure all your employees are briefed on what to do if there is a robbery
• If your premises are robbed, take no risks with safety. Comply with the robber, make no sudden movements or noises and do exactly as you're told. Do not try to be a hero by fighting back
• If you are witnessing the robbery but not directly involved, keep well away from the scene and if the robber has not seen you stay out of sight
• If your shop or premises has a silent alarm use it, but don't take any risks in doing so. If you can do so safely, dial 999
• When the robber leaves, stop trading, close the premises and call the police. To help the police, do not touch anything you don't have to, particularly if the offender has touched it
• Try to remember what the robber looked like. Pay particular attention to the offender's age, if he or she has any tattoos or other distinguishing features, including their accent
• If the robber used or threatened to use a weapon, try to remember what it looked like
• If the robber used a vehicle, try to remember its registration number and its make, model and colour if possible
• Get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to enable the police to obtain as much information about the incident as possible

Vehicle Security

Your vehicle will probably be the second most expensive purchase you ever make and, as with your home, you can take steps to secure it against criminals.

Securing your vehicle

• Fit an immobiliser or an alarm or use a steering lock to deter criminals from stealing your vehicle
• Keep a list of serial numbers for electrical items in your car, such as the stereo and satellite navigation systems. This will assist the police in returning the items to you if they are stolen and recovered
• If your vehicle has expensive wheels, think about attaching a lockable wheel nut to each wheel
• Avoid keeping important vehicle documents in your car. If your car is stolen the criminal could use the documents to sell it on
• Have your vehicle's registration number etched on to its windows and lights
• Always remove the key from your vehicle's ignition when it is parked, even if it is on your driveway or you're paying for fuel
• Consider fitting a tracking device to your vehicle that can be activated if it is stolen. This will assist the police in finding it
• Never leave car keys where a thief could easily reach them, such as on a key hook by a door. Keep keys out of sight or locked in a cabinet
• If you are buying a new car stereo choose one with a removable front and make sure you remove it each time you park your vehicle

Securing your motorcycle

• Secure your motorcycle or scooter with a strong steel cable or a D-lock and attach it to security rails or a post that is anchored to the ground
• For extra security fit an approved alarm and immobiliser to your bike
• Get your motorbike marked with its vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Keep your bike out of sight when it's not in use by storing it in a garage or shed or using a cover

Securing your caravan

• Your caravan should be secured in a similar way to your home. Make sure it is locked when not occupied, and fit an intruder alarm
• Use a wheel clamp or chain and padlock to prevent criminals from stealing your caravan while it's unoccupied
• As with home security, use timer switches connected to a lamp or radio to deter burglars from breaking in

Safer driving

• Keep your car in good condition and try not to let it run out of fuel
• When filling up with fuel and paying for it, lock your doors and take your keys with you
• Plan your journey, particularly if you are driving to an area you don't know. You don't want to be stopping to ask a stranger the way. Tell someone what time you expect to arrive at your destination and keep them updated if you're delayed
• Keep doors locked when driving and keep bags, phones and other valuables out of sight, preferably in a locked boot
• If you have the window open, only wind it down a little. Don't wind it down far enough to allow someone to reach in while you are stationary
• Try to park in well-lit or busy areas or a secure car park, particularly at night
• If you regularly drive alone, consider joining a breakdown recovery service
• If you break down on the motorway park on the hard shoulder, switch on your vehicle's hazard warning lights and get out by the passenger door. Follow the arrows on the roadside marker posts to the nearest phone. Wait outside your vehicle as far as possible from the carriageway unless you feel threatened, in which case get into the passenger seat and lock the doors
• Do not give a lift to or accept a lift from someone you do not know, or do not know well
• Do not drive if you have been drinking or taking drugs, and do not accept a lift from someone who has
• If you find yourself the victim of road rage, don't stop, don't get out of your car and don't wind down your windows. As soon as the situation allows, drive into a busy area where you can get help or call the police
• If someone tries to flag you down and you are suspicious of their motives, drive on until you come to a petrol station, or somewhere busy, and call the police
• If you think you are being followed, going round a roundabout twice will confirm if this is so. Do not be tempted to go faster and outrun your pursuer. Keep driving, stick to main roads and try to find a public place, such as a supermarket or petrol station, where you can get help
• Car-jackers are known to deliberately bump into people's cars with the intention of getting the driver out of the vehicle so they can steal it. If someone bumps into your car and you do not think it is a genuine accident, stay in your car. Wind down the window a little to talk to them and, if you are suspicious, drive on to the nearest police station

Safer parking

• Make sure you lock your vehicle properly before leaving it. Don't forget to lock the sunroof and ensure all windows are closed and the boot is locked
• Never leave anything valuable, or anything that might contain something valuable, on display. This includes jackets and loose change left in an ashtrays. Even if you don't have anything stolen, the cost of replacing broken windows or locks can be well over £100
• Any items that you are not able to remove from your vehicle should be locked in the boot
• Where possible, remove the stereo or its fascia and take it with you
• Fold in wing mirrors and put down your vehicle's aerial to prevent vandalism
• When parking overnight or for a long period try to leave your vehicle where it is within range of CCTV cameras
• Use secure, well-supervised car parks that have attendants, good lighting and security cameras
• Check your surroundings before parking to use a cash machine and if it is dark park somewhere that is well-lit