Help to prevent robbery – look up, look out

As part of Northamptonshire Police’s week of action against serious violence, detectives are issuing advice to members of the public in Northamptonshire to help protect them against personal robbery.

Whilst the number of people being robbed in the county is low and has reduced in the past couple of years, officers want to make people aware of the best ways to avoid having your belongings stolen in an attack on the street.

Detective Inspector Dan Finney said: “I want to make it very clear that the only people to blame for a crime are the criminals themselves and in an ideal world, we would not have to issue advice of this nature.

“However, the sad fact is – there are people out there who will look to commit robbery and we want to do our very best, not only to bring them to justice when they’ve done it, but to try and prevent this type of crime from happening at all.

“Being robbed is a really violating experience and something that stays with people long after it happens. We are aware of the impact this crime has on victims and by issuing this advice, we are seeking to continue to make Northamptonshire a safer place and reduce offences even further.

“Please take the time to read our crime prevention advice below and remember to look up and look out when you’re out and about in Northamptonshire.”

Here are some useful ways to keep you and your property safe on the street:

• Look confident. You are less likely to be targeted if you look confident. Move with purpose and try to be aware of your surroundings

• Know where you’re going. Plan your route and think about what to take with you, especially if you’re going somewhere, you haven’t been before

• Keep too busy, well-lit streets, walkways and paths which are more likely to be covered by CCTV

• Only take licensed taxis or minicabs booked by phone or a mobile phone app

• Keep your mobile phone and valuables out of sight

• If you’re using your phone, it’s more likely to be snatched from your hand as you’re not paying attention to your surroundings, so look around you. Consider installing a tracker app on your smartphone

• Finally – and this is so important to remember – if you’re threatened with violence, don’t risk your personal safety. Property can be replaced, you can’t