Practical safety tips

It is important to be aware that crime and violence are never the victim’s fault!

However, there are still measures people can take in order to avoid some risks.

So, we leave some personal safety tips and advice:

• Bring as few valuables as possible;
   
• Do not keep valuables in your pockets, especially if they do not have zippers;
   
• Always choose to use suitcases or backpacks with zippers;
   
• Keep your personal belongings close and in a place where you can see them (that is, do not leave them unattended);
   
• When walking in street, carry with your suitcase or backpack on the side away from the street;
   
• In a large crowd, choose to put the backpack in the front of your body;
   
• Have a scanned copy of all relevant documents (ID, bank cards, travel documents) accessible in your email or cloud system;
   
• Try to memorise the address or name of the place where you stay overnight or keep this information written on paper in a pocket, along with some important contacts;
   
• On commuting:
  • avoid quiet and poorly-lit areas;
  • avoid the use of headphones and/or a mobile phone: they can distract; from what is happening around you;
• When withdrawing money from a cash-machine:
  • prefer cash points in safe, guarded locations with people around;
  • do it in the company of a trusted person;
  • put your money right away;
• If possible, use electronic payments instead;
   
• In case someone tries to steal your property, remain calm and offer no resistance. At this point, it is important to try to memorise as much information as possible that could help identifying the perpetrator. Try also to get other people’s attention, for example by shouting "FIRE!";
   
• When consuming alcoholic drinks:
  • Do it safely and with moderation, in order to avoid situations of vulnerability;
  • Choose to buy drinks that come in sealed containers or that you watched being prepared;
  • Do not lose sight of your drink under any circumstances;
• In case of altercations involving physical confrontations or arguments, for everyone's safety, avoid direct intervention: request the presence of a nearby police authority or call 112.