A message from Lewisham's Young Mayor
Some adults dismiss robberies as minor and unimportant, but many young people in the borough are afraid on their own streets.
Teenagers across the borough have to be encouraged to talk about what they can do to be safe. I’m glad that something is being done. This isn’t a problem for young people alone. They have friends and families who all get affected one way or another, and this is why we all have to get involved and work together.
Staying safe: do and don't
Do
- let someone know where you’re going and when
you’ll be back
- be aware of who is around you
- protect your mobile: register with www.immobilise.com (external site)
- keep your ringtone turned off, especially at night,
so as not to draw attention to your phone
- be aware around cashpoints
- trust your intuition; if you feel scared, act on it
- cross the street if you think you’re being followed
- go to the nearest shop, knock on a street door or ask an adult for help if you’re worried
- carry a personal alarm
- walk with a friend
- tell someone if anyone threatens you or others.
Don't
- show your mobile in public, except in an emergency
- show your MP3 player
- flash your cash
- use shortcuts which take you out of public sight
- let drink or drugs make you an easy target
- carry a knife or other weapon: it could be turned on you or get you into trouble with the police
- travel in a large group.
Travel safe
Do
- wait in a well-lit place near other people
- sit near the help point at stations
- sit near the emergency alarm on trains
- carry extra money in case you get stranded and need to take another bus or train or ring for a lift
- move away from a situation if you feel uncomfortable
- ask someone to meet you at the bus stop or train station at night.
Don't
- use unlicensed minicabs
- flash your cash. Have your pass or correct change ready instead
- sit on your own. Sit near the driver or other passengers.
What to do if you experience crime
- make as much noise as possible
- dial 999 and ask for the police in an emergency
- use a help point at a station, or emergency alarm on a train to get help
- tell someone else. Use one of the contact numbers in this leaflet
- try to remember as many details as possible,
as this will help the police.
What to do if you're stopped by the police
Stay calm and be helpful. The police are there to protect young people but if you lose it, you could end up getting yourself in trouble.
They should treat you with respect, but you should also treat them with respect. They can’t stop you just because of your age, race or the way you dress.
A police officer or uniformed community support officer can stop you and ask what you are doing. A police officer, but not a community support officer, can also search you if he or she has a good reason to think that you are carrying drugs, a weapon, stolen property or something which can be used to commit a crime.
If you are stopped, the police officer has to fill out a form
saying why they stopped you. They will give you a copy. If you feel you have not been treated fairly, or with respect, you can complain. A leaflet on your rights if stopped by the police can be downloaded at the Association of Police Officer's website - follow the link on the right.