POLICE in Derry have issued advice to new students who have arrived in the city to start their studies.
The advice is to help them stay safe on the streets going to and from campus and while out socialising in the city.
PSNI Foyle say: “The students should be starting to settle in nicely around the city.
“New surroundings can appear strange at first especially on nights out when you might be slightly worse for wear!!
“But new to the area or lived here all your life or if you are visiting somewhere new here’s a few tips for you to try and keep you safe on a night out:
· Know where you are going and the best way to get there, plan ahead.
· Let people know where you are going and the time you expect to get there.
· Stick to busy well-lit streets where possible, go the safest route, not necessarily the shortest.
· Try to look and act confident as if this is what you do all the time, be aware of your surroundings and who is around you. This makes you appear in control and less vulnerable.
· Be alert and take notice of your instincts, don’t go if it doesn’t feel right and head for a safe place where there are lots of people.
· Spread your valuables about your person, e.g. keys in 1 pocket, phone in another, wallet purse in another etc.
· If someone grabs your belongings, don’t put yourself at risk trying to keep hold of them. Items can be replaced, you cant.
· Try not to listen to music through headphones, this will help you stay alert to what’s happening around you.
· Drink alcohol in moderation, not to excess, be in control of yourself.
· Keep an eye on your drink and your friends if they’re away.
· If you feel unsafe ring 101 or 999 in an emergency
· Look after your friends or anyone you see might be in distress, asking someone if they are ok might just save them from something bad.
The police’s final piece of advice is: “Make sure you get home as safe as you went out.”
