Staying Safe in London PC Joseph Rumfitt 1299CW

Emergency Services in London Metropolitan/City of London/British Transport Police London Ambulance Service London Fire Brigade

When to call Police 999 should only be used in an emergency. An emergency is when someone is at risk of getting injured, bring threatened or a crime or is being committed and is in progress. The police should only be called on 999 when: There is a danger to life or a risk of injury being caused imminently. Examples include serious road accidents, assaults or serious disorders. A crime is in progress. Examples include assault, burglary, and theft or if an offender is still on scene, or has just left the scene. Police attendance is required immediately such as to prevent a breach of peace, someone acting suspiciously or someone who is about to commit an offence. Do not call 999 for calls, which are not an emergency. It will tie up an operator and delay a police response to someone who may actually require the police, but is unable to get through. Non-emergency calls – When to call the 101 number The non-emergency number for the Metropolitan police is 101. An operator is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to deal with your enquiry. This number should be used for all other enquires, advice on police matters and to report crimes which have already happened, where there is no sign of an offender.

Other ways to report crime Online via the Met’s website Self-Evident App can be used to record incidents and submit reports to police and/or a support service. In person at the front office of your nearest police station. Visit Met Police website and enter your postcode to find your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team. Visit www.police.co.uk to see crimes in your area.

Thefts Most common crime that is reported. Unattended bags in bars/restaurants. Phones/wallets taken from coat pockets. Phones taken from tables using distraction techniques. Items taken from unsecured bags. Only report thefts if you know or suspect the items stolen. We do not take reports of lost items.

Preventing Thefts Keep belongings with you at all times, even on university premises. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep handbags and bags fastened closed and wallets in inside pockets Keep cash, mobile phones, MP3 players and other high value property such as laptops out of sight If making your journey by minicab, always book your journey through a licensed operator. Pedicabs are unlicensed, unvetted and generally uninsured. Use well-lit and safe routes to and from locations– always plan your journey home before you set out. Look confident and walk purposefully to your destination. When travelling late at night try to sit with other passengers in busy carriages wherever possible. Be aware of what is happening around you, especially when you are in new locations and situations.  Be extra vigilant in crowded public places, venues and next to cash machines.

Mobile Phones Register valuable property online at www.immobilise.com Each phone has a unique code called the IMEI number that is needed for recovering lost/stolen phones. You can obtain this by typing *#06#. Keep a record of this number in case your phone is stolen When walking and using your phone stay away from the road and be aware of your surroundings. Use of mobile phones for any reason is illegal whilst driving or riding a bike.

Drugs/Alcohol Being arrested in possession of illegal drugs can have a serious impact on your future prospect. Cocaine, Cannabis, Ecstasy etc. Alcohol is legal but local restrictions apply. Do not drink excessive amounts of alcohol. It could put you in danger. For help with addictions visit www.talktofrank.com

Staying Safe on Nights Out Stay with your friends on nights out and ensure they get home safely. Be wary of un-asked for help from well meaning strangers. Be aware of who is around you and never accept a drink from anyone you don't know or completely trust. Don't share or exchange drinks or leave your drink unattended. If you drink has been moved, looks different, appears to have been topped up or has a different taste, then don't drink it. If you begin to feel really drunk after only a drink or two, seek help from a trusted friend or a member of the club or pub management.

Sexual Offences We treat all reports of sexual offences very seriously. You will be believed. These offences can be committed by partners as well as strangers. You should not feel like it is your fault. There are a large number of agencies that can provide support to you if you report these kind of offences. Just because someone doesn’t say no, it doesn’t mean they are saying yes. Stay with your friends on nights out and ensure they get home safely.

Hate Crime Crimes targeting people due to their race/religion/sexuality/gender/disability or what they perceive you to be. This may include verbal abuse, physical assault, domestic abuse, harassment and damage to property. Community Alliance To Combat Hate for incidents in Westminster or Hackney Other organisations available. You will be referred after reporting an incident to police.

What to expect when reporting a crime? The officer will ask you for details of what has happened. Depending on the type of offence you may need to give a formal statement at the time of reporting. The officer will provide you with a crime number or if calling 999 a CAD reference. You will be asked to provide details which you can easily to contacted on. The officer should discuss the next stages of the investigation with you. You should be given an update on the result of your investigation.