While the chance of being robbed in St Helens is very low, we should all take steps to make ourselves less of a target.

Protect yourself from theft

• Keep your bag closed and close to your body, and never leave it unattended.
• Use a purse cable to keep your purse attached to you. Purse bells will also alert you to any unwanted attention.
• Use cash machines in a well lit areas, keep your pin code covered, and don't let anybody peer over your shoulder. Put your cash away as soon as possible.
• Use a card protector - now that contactless payments can be made up to £100, keep your card inside a card protector to prevent contactless fraud.
• If your cards are stolen cancel them straight away, do not wait until you get home.
• Trust your instincts - if something feels wrong, find sanctuary in a shop and ask to an employee for help.
• Remember to register your valuables on imobilise.com