Police urge women to carry safety alarms
Last updated 19:59, Thursday, 23 October 2008
POLICE have issued personal safety alarms to Workington workers to help keep them safe after three women were attacked in West Cumbria during the summer.
As part of their bid to encourage more people to take extra precautions when walking home at night police officers gave talks to staff at Workington’s Rural Payments Agency on Curwen Road.
Police are urging women not to walk alone in the dark, to plan a journey ahead of schedule, inform a family member when they intend to arrive home and always carry a mobile phone and personal safety alarm.
Inspector Joe Murray said: “The police are trying to reinforce an important message to women and men to take necessary precautions when they are walking home late at night.
“We’re asking women not to walk home alone and in areas where they could be easily targeted.
“There are a range of measures that people can take to ensure their safety. If they are to venture out they must inform someone of their whereabouts.”
Police visited the Rural Payments Agency as it employs more than 700 people, a high number of whom are women.
Safety leaflets and personal safety alarms were also issued to staff at the event on Wednesday.
Inspector Murray added: “I would like to stress that we are giving out information as a precautionary measure.
“West Cumbria is one of the safest places in the country to live in spite of the attacks that happened last summer.
“However, people, especially single women, should be aware of how they can prevent an attack from happening and what they can do if they are ever faced with one.”
