Travel safe in Hartlepool

Personal safety and what to do

If you think someone is following you

  • go into a shop or busy place and ask for help
  • look for places showing a Safer Places sign - staff in these places can help you stay safe and contact someone you trust
  • do not go somewhere quiet or isolated

Staying safe around strangers

  • do not get into a car with someone you do not know
  • only get into a taxi if:
    • you have booked it, and
    • you have checked the driver is correct
  • if someone asks you for directions, do not get into their car

If someone tries to touch or threaten you

  • shout as loud as you can to get attention
  • tell people around you what is happening
  • if you are on a bus, tell the driver straight away

If someone is bothering you, you can say something like:

“I’m meeting a friend in a minute”

If someone is shouting or being unpleasant

  • try to ignore them
  • do not argue back
  • stay calm
  • move to a busy, safe place such as a shop or library

Who can help you

If you need help while you are out, look for:

  • a police officer
  • a bus driver
  • a school crossing patrol
  • staff in shops, cafés or libraries

If you cannot find someone in uniform:

  • go into a shop or public building and ask for help

Safer Places

The Tees Wide Safer Places scheme provides safe places where you can go if you need help.

You can get support if:

  • you are lost
  • you have lost something like a wallet or your purse
  • someone has taken something from you
  • someone is bullying or upsetting you

Safer Places include:

  • community hubs and libraries
  • council buildings
  • shops and cafés

Look for the Safer Places sign in the window.

Reporting something to the police

Serious incidents, such as an assault or theft, should be reported to the police.

If something happens, try to remember:

  • where it happened
  • when it happened
  • what happened
  • who was involved

Emergency and non-emergency help