●	Remember that you may not be aware of what is going on around you if you wear your MP3 player or talk on your mobile phone

●	Try not to draw attention to any valuables you are carrying

●	Don’t make it easy for someone else to take your purse or wallet. For example, don’t put them in your back pocket or in the back pocket of your rucksack

●	If you have to carry heavy bags, try to keep one hand free. Using a rucksack can help

●	When you are sitting down you could loop the strap of your bag around your foot or underneath the chair leg to prevent it being snatched

●	Consider carrying a personal alarm close at hand. These are designed to shock and disorientate an attacker

●	Keep some money and your keys separate from your bag or purse. This will be invaluable if your purse or bag are taken

●	Avoid using short cuts such as alleyways and deserted areas. Would the time saved really be worth the risk?

●	It is better to wait for lifts from friends or for a taxi from inside a venue than wait outside. This will also make you less vulnerable to unwanted attention

●	Don’t be tempted to use unlicensed mini-cab

●	Drug rape does happen, so don’t leave your drink or food unattended

●	If you find yourself sat alone on the top deck of a bus or an empty train or tube carriage, move as soon as possible to somewhere where there are other people (this could mean sitting near to the driver if you’re on a bus)

●	Give thought to how your choices and actions impact on your personal safety

●	There is no shame in refusing to fight or trying to get away

●	You are more valuable than your possessions

●	For more comprehensive information on living safely you can use the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Their web-site www.suzylamplugh.org has pages specifically written for the LGB community on their Campaigns and Community page. Click on Safety Tips