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Crime Prevention Message – Personal Safety

On this month’s episode of Crimecall, Sergeant John Fitzpatrick was in studio to discuss Personal Safety, particularly as the festive season approaches.

Personal Safety

As the evenings get darker and the festive season approaches, everyone should be aware of their surroundings, particularly when they are commuting to/and from locations and when they are heading out with colleagues, families and friends.

When it comes to outdoor safety, individuals should remember that when they are going out they should have PLANS and be “Streetwise”:

  • Plan night out, how you are getting there and back?
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back.
  • Avoid walking alone in dark areas. Where possible, try to walk in numbers and stick to busy streets with lots of lighting and traffic.
  • Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people and be
  • Streetwise - get to know the locality and the surroundings, and mind your valuables.

It’s a good idea to upload emergency contacts onto your phone and activate find my phone on your device. Keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it) Take a screenshot and email it to yourself or record it somewhere safely). This will help An Garda Síochána to return your device to you if it’s located or handed in. A lot of people now use their phone as a method of payment, if you leave your phone down it could be like leaving your wallet down – always know where your property is.

 

Plan your trip out and home. Find out about public transport timetables and/or where you can park vehicles or bikes securely. If possible have a designated driver or a “buddy” with you for support. If you plan on drinking, never accept a drink poured by someone you do not trust.

 

If you are the designated driver, lock your vehicle and leave it in a well-lit area. Don’t leave any valuables inside. Never ever drive while under the influence of an intoxicant!

Overall, watch out for one another. If someone is too intoxicated – make sure they get home safely.

Personal Safety tips when out and about this period:

  • Drink responsibly.
  • Never try to reason with drunk or aggressive people.
  • Plan your routes to and from venues.
  • Charge your phone before going out.
  • Tell somebody when you plan to be home.
  • Mind your belongings when in crowded areas. Use a bag with a strap that goes around your neck and diagonally across your body.
  • Conceal your PIN entry at all times when using a bankcard.
  • Keep to populated areas and avoid deserted streets at night.
  • Don’t bring attention to yourself by wearing expensive jewellery or leaving belongings exposed.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, walk purposefully and confidently.
  • Avoid talking short – cuts through deserted areas particularly after dark.
  • If you are travelling to a remote area inform somebody where you are going.

The theft of a mobile phone can impact on a person’s life on many levels. Firstly, it’s an expensive piece of technology which can be costly to replace. It also serves, not only as a phone and our main point of contact, but very often the key to a lot of personal data that we use every day – banking, bills, sentimental photos, school and college information, and even the weather.

Statistics:

  • The month of December usually sees a rise in assault cases. In 2023 there was an 11% increase from November – December, and in 2024 it was a 12% increase.
  • Assault causing harm incidents – 40% occurred on the weekend (Saturday and Sunday), followed by Friday 13.8%. Incidents occurring on the Street / Road and Footpath account for 30%.
  • Saturday is the most common day for robbery from the person incidents to occur accounting for 16.1%.
  • Electronic / Office Equipment & Cash / Cheques account for just under 45% of items stolen.
  • Mobile phones are the most common item stolen.

 

Some basic tips to keep your phone safe:

 

  • Register your mobile phone with your Service Provider.
  • Take a careful note of your unique 15 digit mobile phone IMEI number.
  • The IMEI number will be on the original box or located on the back of your phone underneath the battery, or you can locate it by dialling *#06# on your keypad, screenshot the series of barcodes and email it to yourself).
  • Enable the PIN Security feature and or biometrics option and keep your phone locked when not in use.
  • When out and about, keep your mobile phone out of public view, be streetwise and always be aware of your surroundings.
  • Property mark your phone with unique personal letters or numbers.
  • Avoid making calls or texting on your phone while crossing the road.
  • If making or receiving a mobile phone call in public, always do so with full awareness of your surroundings so that you can reduce the opportunity for the phone to be stolen.
  • If you a have a smart phone, consider downloading a location finder App.
  • Consider disabling airplane mode in the quick settings menu (swipe down) or control centre.
  • Your smartphone may be vulnerable to cyber threats, consider downloading an official mobile security app to protect against potential viruses and other malware.
  • If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, immediately report it to An Garda Síochána and contact your Service Provider in order to have your IMEI number blocked, so that it can’t be used.
  • Never leave your mobile phone behind in an unattended vehicle.