Never leave a friend behind

Some of this advice might seem obvious, but there are a few simple things you can do to help you, your friends, and other people feel safer when they're out in public. 

Arrange how you’re getting home beforehand

Before you go out, think about how you’re going to get home.

• Ensure your phone is fully charged
• Check train station, taxi rank/bus stop locations and put the numbers of trusted local firms in your phone
• Make a plan with your friends before you go out and confirm how everyone will be getting home safely
• Check you have enough money to cover the costs

Making sure you have the above steps covered will go a long way to ensuring you have a fun and safe night out. And don’t forget, always travel with friends, companions or in small groups where possible.

Avoid preloading

Preloading involves drinking alcohol on private premises before going for a night out in a pub or club and drinking more alcohol.

Studies have shown that when people preload, they often drink more than they expected to and also got drunker than they expected to.

Unfortunately, this can lead to a number of unwanted consequences including becoming involved in violent situations such as fights and other violent­ crimes.

Ensure you leave each venue together

Be a great mate – don’t leave a pub, club or bar without checking everyone in your group is with you.

It’s easy to get separated from each other but it’s important to never leave a friend behind!

Support don’t ignore – how to safely intervene

If you're in a group of people where someone is harassing another person in a bar or on the street, try to calm the situation. They may just need to be told that they're behaving inappropriately.

If you notice someone is uncomfortable with another person's behaviour, show your support by being an active bystander. It can be as simple as standing between a person to block their line of sight. Ask that person if they need any help, and back up anyone else who is intervening, especially your friends.

If you need to report an incident that does not require an emergency response, click here to report it. In an emergency always call 999.

Tell us about a public space where you've felt unsafe

StreetSafe is a pilot designed for the public to anonymously tell us about public places where they've felt unsafe. Share your concerns

Drink spiking

If you think your drink may have been spiked, please contact us. Always call 999 in an emergency.

We need to know about every possible spiking so we can investigate, even if no other crime has taken place.

For more information, you can view the College of Policing's guidance below: