PERSONAL SAFETY
If someone comes to your door who you do not know or approaches you out and about, you should do the following:
At home

• Before you open the door, check your back door is locked, and take the key out.
• Put the door bar or chain across, and look through the spyhole to see who it is.
• Ask for, and carefully check their identity card, even if they have a prearranged appointment. All genuine callers will have one. Do they look like the photograph on the card? Is the name the same as the name on your letter, if it is a prearranged appointment? Close the door while you do this.
• If you are still unsure, phone the company they claim to represent. Look up the number in the phone directory rather than using one they give you, to ensure it is genuine.
• Remember that some bogus callers may have overalls with a company logo or other 'props' to fool you that they are genuine.
• If you have any more doubts, after doing all these checks, ask them to go away and arrange a time for them to come back when someone else is with you.

Out and About

• Stay in bright, well-lit and busy areas.
• Try to look and act confident.
• If someone tries to take something from you, it may be better to let them take it than to risk your safety trying to stop them.
• If you are attacked, scream and shout as loud as you can. Sometimes, shouting 'fire' rather than 'help' can get more results.
• If you use a wheelchair, keep your things beside you rather than at the back of the chair.
• Try not to be conspicuous about valuables you are carrying.
• Stay alert to your surroundings, and do not listen to a personal stereo.

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Winter 06