Safe nights out
Information about keeping safe on a night out and meeting new people.
On this page:
What can I do to keep safe on a night out?
How do I keep myself safe when meeting new people?
What can I do to keep safe on a night out?
If you’re going on a night out then have fun and enjoy yourself.
Unfortunately, people can be victims of crime. Here are some steps to follow to stay safe:
- Plan your night out and how you will get home
- Take your mobile phone with you and make sure it’s fully charged
- Stay with friends and don't leave with strangers
- If you feel very drunk or unwell after a small amount of alcohol then ask a trusted friend or a member of the club / pub management for help
- If you think you have been spiked, report it to the police and seek medical assistance. All reports will be investigated
- Don’t take drugs or new psychoactive substances (sometimes misleadingly called ‘legal highs’)
- Don’t have sex with anyone who is too drunk or under the influence of drugs as this means they can't give consent and in Scots Law this is rape
- Look after bags and valuables
- Keep enough money to pay for your journey home
- Use a trusted taxi company that you have used before, or arrange for a friend or family member to collect you
- Stay alert at cash machines, be aware of who’s behind you and keep money and your PIN out of view
How do I keep myself safe when meeting new people?
Meeting new people through dating sites and speed dating is now very popular. Take care as not everyone will be who they say they are.
There are risks. This includes your immediate personal safety, stalking or harassment or being exploited financially. Here are some steps to follow to stay safe:
- The first time you get together, meet and stay in a busy public place
- Meet in a public place until you feel safe enough to do something different
- Tell someone where you’re going, who you’re meeting and when you’ll be back
- If possible, make arrangements to go with a friend
- Don’t accept a lift from someone you have just met even if they seem genuine
- Be alert to hard luck stories, this could be part of a con
- Follow the night out safety advice we’ve provided above.
Related links
If you think you have been drugged or spiked, report it to the police and seek medical assistance. All reports will be investigated. For further advice and information please visit Safer Scotland.
