Community Safety & Crime

Top tips for Keeping safe

Here are a few things you can do to help yourself to be safer while you are out and about.

if you are planning to go somewhere new, it is a good idea to plan your route to avoid getting lost.
use public transport or a taxi if you are not sure where you are going especially if it is dark.
tell a family member or friend where you are going and what time you expect to be back.
if you are visiting someone, tell them what time you are expected to be there.
try to keep to main paths and roads whenever possible - avoid using short cuts that take you off their main paths.
at night, try to keep to well lit areas where possible as this can reduce the risk of being a victim of a crime.
be mindful of where you are - avoid using headphones or looking at your phone as this may distract for the environment you are in.
if you have a mobile phone, make sure it is fully charged and you have your contacts list up to date.
make sure you have a list of taxi numbers in case you get lost or need help getting home.
if you think an area is unsafe then trust you feelings and avoid going into that environment.
do not have any of your passwords or PIN numbers on you.
do not take large amounts of cash out with you; only take what you think you may need.
avoid being alone at night while you are out and about.
if you think you are being followed, attempt to cross the road, go into a shop or head for a busy street. If you feel unsafe, make a noise or tell someone.

If you feel you are in immediate danger dial 999.

Report a Crime

The Humberside Police have provided some guidance around which crimes you can report online and those partners you need to contact on particular issues such as antisocial behaviour to boundary abandoned vehicles to make sure you #MakeTheRightCall.

Visit the Humberside Police website to find out more (Opens in a new window)

What to do when it’s not safe to talk

When you dial 999, an operator will ask you which service you require. If you are unable to talk, you will be asked to cough.

If you remain silent you will be put through to an automated system which is called Solution 55. At this point you need to press ‘55’ on your keypad which will alert the police that the call is genuine and that you need help.

This system was set up so you can alert the police but are in a situation were making a noise may put you in danger.

Personal attack alarms

A personal attack alarm gives off a loud distracting noise that may distract an attacker long enough for you to get away or alert others that you are in danger.

You can purchase a personal attack alarm from various retailers by searching online for personal attack alarms.

A hate incident is any incident which the victim, or anyone else, thinks is based on someone's prejudice towards them because of their -

race
religion
sexual orientation
disability
transgender

Report hate crime to Humberside Police (Opens in a new window)

If you wish to remain anonymous it is important you provide as many details as possible as it may prove difficult to progress the case.

Alternatively telephone the police on 101.

Mate crime is when someone says they are your friend, but they do things that take advantage of you. Here are some examples of mate crime -

asking you to say or do things that may put you in danger
wanting you to ‘act the clown’ for their own amusement
asking or demanding money from you
expecting you to pay for everything
stealing from you
wanting you to take part in criminal activity

If someone who says they are your friend hurts you, steals from you or makes you do something you do not want to do, you should tell someone you trust right away.

Someone, who only wants to be your friend because they want something, is not a true friend. A real friend would never take advantage of you in this manner.

You can report a Mate Crime to the Police by telephone on 101.

The Sanctuary Scheme is a range of practical support options to support you to remain in your own home, including -

a panic alarm in your home - the panic alarm, called Lifeline, is linked to Kingston Care Lifeline services.
a mobile phone or new sim card - to replace an old phone or sim card.
home safety measures installed by Probe - for example fitted window locks, increased security for doors, spy hole or intercom.
a personal alarm - for when you leave your home to use in the community.

The Sanctuary Scheme is a free service.

To access this support speak to your support worker or contact the domestic abuse partnership (DAP). They will complete a safety plan with you, discuss the range of measures available to you and what is appropriate for your situation and need. A safety plan will also be created with you.

You can contact Sanctuary Scheme via -

Domestic abuse partnership

Hull City Council

Kingston House

Bond Street

Hull

HU1 3ER

telephone: 01482 318 759
text phone: 01482 300 349
email: Hull.DAP@hullcc.gov.uk (Opens in a new window)

There are many Neighbourhood watch groups or resident associations that help towards reducing neighbourhood crime in Hull. These groups work with other organisations such as police to provide information on their local area to help make neighbourhoods a safe place for local residents.

You can find your nearest Neighbourhood watch group on the Neighbourhood Network website. Neighbourhood Network is a Hull Charity that provides information and advice for Hull residents that want to join or set up a neighbourhood watch group.

Joining or starting up a neighbourhood watch group is also a great way to socialise and volunteer in your community.

Find your nearest Neighbourhood group here (Opens in a new window)

Alternatively, you can contact them via the Hull City Council by telephone on 01482 300 300.

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Last updated: 2018/10/15