If you think you are being followed

Most of the time, the person behind you is simply going the same way. Knowing how to check calmly, and what to do if you are right, means you never have to panic and never lead anyone home.

Checking without alarming yourself

• Peoplesafe, a UK personal safety company, offers a rule of thumb: once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, three times is a pattern.
• On foot, stop somewhere natural, such as a shop window, and check your phone or retie a lace. Watch, using the reflection in the glass, whether the person stops too or suddenly changes behaviour.
• Change direction or cross the road. If the same person makes the same changes more than once, treat it as real.
• Avoid repeatedly turning round. Peoplesafe notes that looking back can signal that you have noticed them; check discreetly using shop windows or mirrors instead.
• Trust your instincts. You do not need proof before heading somewhere safe or asking for help.

On foot: go towards people, never home

• Do not lead anyone to your home, hall or workplace (Peoplesafe). Head for a public place and tell staff what is happening.
• Head for a busy, well-lit place: a shop, café, hotel lobby, petrol station or 24-hour supermarket, and tell a member of staff or security what is happening.
• Avon and Somerset Police advise seeking a place of safety such as a shop or anywhere with other people if you feel uncomfortable or at risk.
• In parts of the UK, look for a 'Safe Haven' sticker. Wandsworth Council explains that staff at these registered businesses can let you charge your phone, call a friend, arrange a taxi or call emergency services.
• Walk facing oncoming traffic. Avon and Somerset Police say this prevents a vehicle from pulling up behind you.

In a car: keep driving, keep locked

• The Stevensville Police Department (US) says: do not go home. Drive to a police station, fire station, open petrol station or another well-lit place with people who can help.
• Lock your doors immediately and keep space between you and the car in front so you can move away if needed (Stevensville Police Department).
• Peoplesafe suggests a test: on a motorway, leave at the next junction and rejoin; in town, take four left turns. If the same vehicle is still behind you, treat it as a strong warning sign.
• Do not speed away to lose them. Peoplesafe advises slowing down and staying calm, and using busy, well-lit routes rather than side streets.
• Call the police using hands-free, and stay somewhere busy and well lit, or pull over only with the doors locked (Peoplesafe).

Never confront, always call

• Peoplesafe is clear: never confront the person. Your aim is to get to safety and get help, not to challenge them.
• Call someone you trust and tell them where you are and what is happening, or share your live location.
• If you feel under immediate threat, call the local emergency number. The UAE Government portal lists 999 for crimes and emergencies anywhere in the UAE; Avon and Somerset Police list 999 in the UK.
• On UK trains, Victim Support says to tell the guard or contact British Transport Police, who also run a 61016 text service for non-emergencies.
• Afterwards, write down a description, the time, the place and any number plate. If it happens more than once, read the next lesson on stalking.