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The following common sense tips have been
adapted from Sussex Police’s Operation Columbus scheme,
and can be used to help to brief students and group leaders.
When you book with Cactus School Groups Abroad, we send
full country-specific information.
PERSONAL SAFETY
When in public places:
- Do not carry large amounts of money
- Carry your bag close to you at all times
- Cover up expensive jewellery
- You will be safest in bright, well-lit and busy areas
PROTECTING YOUR MOBILE PHONE
- Do not leave your phone on tables in pubs or restaurants
- Do not use it in crowded places
- Register you mobile with your network provider and
record the IMEI number (International mobile equipment
Identity)
- To obtain your IMIE number key *#06#
- Register your phone at https://www.immobilise.com/
If your phone is stolen it can help you recover it
USING CASH MACHINES (ATMs)
- Try to use a cash machine during the daytime
- Ensure that no one can see you enter your PIN number
- Try to avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash
- Put your cash away immediately before walking off
PERSONAL ROBBERY
- If someone tries to take something from you it may
be better to let them take it rather than to get into
conflict and risk injury
- You can use reasonable force in self-defence. But you
cannot carry a weapon.
- Remember the attacker may be stronger than you. It
is often better just to shout loudly and run away
YOUR ACCOMMODATION
- Always lock doors and windows when going out. Even
if you are just going for a short time
- If you are staying in a student residence, make it
look like someone is in by leaving a light or a radio
on. In a host family, this is unnecessary.
- Draw your curtains after dark.
- If you see signs of a break-in, like a smashed window
or open door, do not go in. Go to a group leader who will
call the police.
ALCOHOL
- The legal age you can drink alcohol in the UK is 18
though different (often more severe) rules apply to different
countries.
- Certain bars will not welcome anyone under the legal
age for alcohol consumption.
- Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach and avoid binge
drinking
- On a night out, plan ahead so you know how you will
be getting home.
- Stay with a group and do not walk alone late at night
- If a stranger wishes to buy you a drink, make sure
they do not add anything to it, such as drugs.
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- If you are under 18, you should never go out without
a group leader or with the appropriate parental permission.
DRUGS
- Laws overseas may be different from in the UK
- It is illegal to be in possession of banned drugs
- You must be 16 to buy and smoke cigarettes of tobacco
- Cannabis IS illegal
- Mace and Pepper Spray is illegal in the UK and may
be abroad
USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT
- Plan your route in advance
- Try to wait in busy or well-lit areas
- Be polite! Don't push in, it may make people angry
- Sit near other people when on a bus or train
- Move if someone makes you feel uncomfortable
USING TAXIS
- Always try to book a taxi in advance
- Especially when you need one to take you home at night
- When alone always sit behind the driver in the back
seat
- If someone approaches you in the street and offers
you a taxi say no.
- This is called ‘touting’ and is illegal
in the UK
- If in any doubt, do not get in the taxi
REPORTING A CRIME
- Always make sure you know the country’s
emergency numbers before you go abroad.
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