10 tips for keeping safe

Take precautions to keep safe at night, at home or out and about. Photo / Thinkstock

Simple precautions taken at home, at night, in the car and online may make a huge difference in protecting against crime.

Here are ten ways to keep safe.

1. Be mindful of your handbag

Keep your handbag or suitcase snug close to your body, and held at the front rather than the back. Don't carry car keys and anything with your house address in the bag because this would let a potential robber know where you live. The New York Police Department recommends carrying bags in a manner that will allow you to let go, saying that "straps placed across your shoulder, around your neck or wrapped around your waist have caused injuries because women could not free themselves during a purse snatch."

2. Maintain focus on the present

Get used to being aware of your present surroundings, including exits, the people and cars around your rather than being distracted on your phone. These details may give you warning of a situation you can avoid before it happens. Perpetrators rely on the element of surprise, so stay alert and aware.

3. Be suspicious of strangers who approach in public

An attacker is more likely to approach a victim with an appeal for help, such as asking for directions, in need of money or pretending to be in pain. The New Zealand Police website advises that if you are walking and a car pulls up for help, be polite but stay out of reach, walking away if you don't feel comfortable. Be sure to never accept a ride from a stranger.

4. Use all strengths and skills

The Women's Self Defence Network - Wahine Toa - advise using a combination of instinct, voice, mind and body to stay safe. According to their website, awareness and preparedness are key, saying that "self defence is being clear about our boundaries... and being prepared and feeling confident to act."

5. Be safe in parking lots

Park in well-lit, busy areas and always be aware of your surroundings. Photo / Thinkstock

The New Zealand Police website reminds people to park in well-lit, busy areas and locking the car every time. When returning to the car, refer to number two above, and be aware of your surroundings, and check the backseat and passenger seat before getting into the car.

6. Be safe when walking at night

Stay in well-lit, populated areas, facing the traffic. The New Zealand Police advise walking close to the gutter, not beside shop doorways and to keep keys in your pocket as they can be used in self-defence. As already mentioned, don't be distracted by talking on the phone or listening to music, maintaining awareness of people and cars around you.

7. Think prevention

Consider going a different route or at a different time rather than putting yourself at risk. American Pat Malone, well-known for his passion for personal safety and providing hands-on techniques to empower individuals says that equipping yourself with the tools of prevention is essential, and "The solution is to never let the criminal get up close and personal in the first place. Life is all about choices. We often ask, "Is it worth it to go out of your way nine times needlessly, if the tenth time saves your life?" You decide.'

If you are interested in a self-defence course, check Protect Training Systems or Women's Self Defence Network - Wahine Toa.

8. Be safe while driving

The New Zealand Police recommend driving with windows and doors locked while driving and to think carefully before stopping and helping a motorist who appears to be in trouble. Keep valuables in the boot of the car, rather than on the passenger or back seats.

If someone attempts to stop your car, drive forward slowly with the doors locked, and if you suspect you are being followed, keep in public areas and beep the horn to attract attention.

9. Be safe at home

Get to know your neighbours in order to stay safe at home. Photo / Janna Dixon

Knowing your neighbours is one of the most important things you can do in order to stay safe at home, according to the New Zealand Police. Exchange contact details and let them know when you're going away. They also advise not opening the door to strangers, having a phone by the bed and not being tricked into giving out your name and address if you receive a phone call from someone purporting to have the wrong number.

Watch: Useful scam prevention advice from the New Zealand Police

10. Be safe online

There are many areas where people must be vigilant with online behaviour, including cyberbullying, managing social media privacy settings, and preventing hacking. Top tips include not posting personal information such as your address online, considering the type of videos and pictures you post, using anti-virus software, creating strong passwords and changing them regularly as well as being savvy when it comes to fake emails, pop-ups and online scams.

Further information and resources:

Netsafe - provides tips and advice about online safety
New Zealand Police - provides information on safety at home, child and teenage safety as well as rural and sea safety.