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Making others feel safer on the streets involves actively altering our body language, maintaining respectful distances, and being an active, helpful bystander. In busy urban neighbourhoods like: Tipton, Great Bridge, and Princes End, small shifts in daily habits can significantly lower public anxiety, especially for women, elderly residents, or people walking alone at night. 1. Mind Your Distance and Pace Giving people their personal space is the most immediate way to make them feel comfortable. Keep your distance. Avoid walking directly behind someone. Cross the street if you are walking the same path.Slow down your pace. Running or rushing up behind a lone walker can trigger fear. Slow down or visually change direction.Make yourself visible. Do not hide your face or lurk in dark areas like under bridges or unlit alleyways.Do not stare. Avoid intense eye contact or following people with your gaze. 2. Signal That You Are Not a Threat People walking alone are often on high alert. Clear, neutral signals help put them at ease. Keep your hands visible. Keep hands out of pockets or hoods so your posture is completely non-threatening.Use your phone. Taking a call or looking at your device shows your attention is occupied elsewhere.Avoid sudden movements. Do not make abrupt gestures, loud outbursts, or unpredictable directional changes. 3. Avoid Harassment and Micro-Aggressions Public spaces should be respectful and free from unsolicited comments. Never catcall. Avoid commenting on anyone's appearance, clothing, or behaviour.Do not follow. If someone changes their walking route or walks into a shop, do not follow them.Avoid asking for details. Do not ask lone walkers where they live, where they are going, or if they live nearby. 4. Be an Active Bystander If you notice someone else being followed or harassed, you can intervene safely using standard bystander intervention tactics. Create a distraction. Intervene smoothly by asking the person for directions or pretending you know them.Ask if they are okay. Approach directly and ask if they need help or want you to walk with them to a busier area.Document and report. Take note of descriptions or call local authorities if you witness an emergency situation. Local Resources for Safety Issues If you encounter active safety hazards or anti-social behaviour in these specific areas: Report Non-Emergencies: Contact the West Midlands Police via the official online live chat or call 101.Street Lighting: Report broken streetlights or dark pathways directly to the local Sandwell Council reporting tool.Thank you from your Local Neighbourhood team | 
