Top Tips to Avoid Robbery

• Carry your bag close to you with the clasp facing inwards. Keep it zipped up, and make sure your wallet or purse can't be seen.
• Don't carry large amounts of cash.
• Spread your possessions about - for example, keep your mobile phone separate from your purse, and your keys separate from your credit card.
• Cover up any expensive jewellery and, if you must carry other valuables, be discreet. Talking on your mobile, wearing headphones (for a CD player, MP3 or iPod) or carrying a laptop all show thieves you have things worth taking.
• Think about your route, especially if you're going to be on your own or carrying lots of shopping bags. Be aware of your surroundings.

Robbery is an offence that causes much public concern, but in fact, on average there are only 1.5 offences per day across the entire county.

Analysis shows that around half of street (or personal) robberies do not involve any use of force and only one quarter are committed by offenders armed with some kind of weapon (or object used in threat).

However, below are some measures you can take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim,

• Keep wallets, purses and mobile phones well out of sight
• Do not carry large amounts of cash
• Do not wear a lot of jewellery
• Do not show off your mobile phone in busy places where it can be easily snatched
• When walking at night try to stick with friends or take a taxi

For more information visit: www.herts.police.uk/blue_light/personal_safety.htm

If you are a shop owner, then the following link will give you advice on prevention measures: www.herts.police.uk/crime_prevention/commercial.htm