Street safe
Saturday 29 September 2007
How safe do you feel walking the streets in your area? n2k looks at why teenagers get mugged and what to do if does happen.
How safe do you feel?
For the last month n2k has been running a vote to see if you feel safe in your area. Happily 49% of those of you who voted said you never had any problems although of those, half of you would not go out alone after dark. However a huge 32% of you admitted there are places you avoid altogether and 19% of you said you don’t feel safe at all!
Why do teenagers get mugged?
According to one leading insurance company, the average British teenagers leave the house with items worth more than £768 on their person!
If you're a teenager today, you've got to look the part and that can mean a whole load of expensive clothes, bling and gadgets. This means young teenagers who travel alone can sometimes be an easy target for thieves and muggers.
It’s a fact that early 30% of all street crimes involve mobile phones. Using a phone as you are walking down a street can attract opportunist muggers as can waving your wallet or purse about.
Most people are mugged in the street or on public transport and most muggings commonly happen after 6pm. So work out if you’re going to be out alone after dark in an area you don’t trust, and try to work around it.
If you get mugged
If someone wants to take your things and is threatening to use violence, it’s best to let them go.
If this happens, then tell someone about it. Get in touch with a family member or good friend and let them know what’s happened, and if necessary get them to come and meet you. Then call the police – they will help you, and give you a crime number which you will need later on.
If you are injured, get medical attention as soon as you can. Treat yourself very well as you may be in shock, even if you feel fine, it could catch up with you later.
Calling the police as soon as possible is crucial as it could lead to the mugger being caught and also prevent them from doing the same to others.
If it’s too late to call the police or you are worried about having to give a statement, call Crimestoppers instead on 0800 555 111. Calling Crimestoppers means that you won’t have to give your name, go to the police station, give a statement or go to court.
Get practical
There are also the practical aspects to think of if you have had important possessions stolen.
- Cancel your bank cards, and if you have them, credit cards
- Get your phone blocked either by calling your phone provider or the Immobilise Phone Crime line
- Change the locks if necessary
- If you have a driving licence and this has been stolen, you will need to contact the DVLA and get a replacement. You will need a crime number for this.
Claiming insurance
If you have been hurt you may be able to claim compensation. However to this you must report the crime to the police. It is also a good idea to go to the hospital. The more you document what happened, the more chance you have of claiming compensation later.
Help
Being mugged is a traumatic event that can make you feel all sorts of things - angry, alone and scared. You won’t always feel that way, things will feel better with time. In the meantime it is important to talk through your feelings. If a family member or friend is not around you can call Victim Support free and confidentially on 0845 30 30 900, at any time of the day.
