Stay Safe On Southampton’s Streets :: Wessex Scene Online

Stay Safe On Southampton’s Streets

Don't take chances, take the safety bus: avoid deserted alleyways like this one

25th February 2009
Sandra Bryant

Rate this story

Oct 08 - What mode of transport?
Dec 07 - Safety First
Mar 09 - To Kill or Not to Kill, Vital Question
Mar 09 - Lifestyle Gives You Food For Thought!
Jan 09 - How To Help Battling the January Blues

SUSU’s Women’s Officer gives you some important tips and info on your personal safety.

Ok, so we all know we shouldn’t walk home on our own at night-time… but it’s so easy to favour a walk home when you’ve already spent so much money on alcohol, isn’t it? Then again, there were 1000 reported cases of public disorder and assault in Portswood alone last year, and it is so easy to increase personal safety when getting home after a night out!

If you’re on campus at night-time, be it at the Stag’s Head, in the Cube, or getting some late-night work done at the library, why not get the Safety Bus home from the concourse? It costs the same as a single Uni-Link bus fare, and you can get dropped at your doorstep, wherever you live in Southampton! There’s even a new flashing sign in the Stag’s Head, which tells you when the Safety Bus is around.

After a night out in the city centre, it would appear that most people prefer to go home by taxi. This method is fine, but it still pays to be vigilant. Ideally you should book your own taxi, maybe even before you go out, so that you know that you’re using a registered cab. The only taxis that you can legally flag down on the street are ‘hackney carriages’, which should be identifiable.

There are some tips which are worth thinking about to keep safe in a taxi:

* Take a note of the number plate when you get into the cab and text it to a friend.

* Call a friend, telling them when you expect to get home.

* Be observant. If you don’t recognize the route the driver is taking, try and remember road names.

* If possible, don’t get into a taxi on your own- if nothing else it’ll be cheaper that way!

Most of the Uni-Link bus services operate until midnight, but if you’re coming home later there are night buses which you can take. The Blue Star bus company run services from the city centre to Portswood and the University, and fares are only Ł2-3, which is cheaper than a taxi. Have a look at the services at:

http://www.bluestarbus.co.uk/nightstar.shtml.

When taking the bus, it is advisable not to wait in an isolated, poorly-lit bus stop. When boarding the bus, sit close to the driver and in view of any CCTV cameras there may be.

You should never walk home alone, and there really is no excuse, but if you do find yourself alone there are ways to increase your safety.

* Carry a personal attack alarm, available from the Students’ Union Shop.

* Don’t put your hood up as this will obstruct your vision and awareness of your surroundings.

* Equally, don’t use your mobile phone or listen to music whilst walking at night as these will also reduce your awareness.

* Always stick to well-lit areas.

* If you think you’re being followed, cross the road. If the person follows, cross the road again and make your way to a shop or takeaway, somewhere public and well-lit, and call the police.

* If someone tries to take your bag, let them have it. If possible, throw it out of your path and run away. Try and remember what the person looks like and, when you are safe, call the police.

Obviously, assaults and attacks are quite rare, so being aware shouldn’t stop you from enjoying yourself. However, you never know when it might pay off to be that extra bit safe.

Contact the Women’s Officer at womens@susu.org for more information.