Staying Safe
There is much we can all do to help keep ourselves safe from crime and the impact of drug and alcohol misuse.
Staying safe from crime
Most offenders are opportunists - they take advantage of the easiest opportunities to commit crime. So, taking a few simple steps can make a big difference and help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.
Advice is available:
Staying safe from burglary: www.west-midlands.police.uk/saferhomes
Staying safe from vehicle crime: www.west-midlands.police.uk/safermotors and www.secureyourmotor.gov.uk.
Staying safe from crime when out and about: www.safer-streets.org and www.suzylamplugh.org.
Staying safe from drugs
Illegal drugs are classified in three groups – Class A, B and C – depending on how harmful the drug is on the individual and society (Class A drugs being the most harmful). All drugs, however, have side effects and involve risks. The main health risks linked to drug use includes:
- contracting blood borne viruses like HIV or Hepatitis C
- overdose
- unpredictable effects of mixing drugs
- contaminated drugs that may lead to inflection or septicaemia
- risks to the health of an unborn baby
- psychological problems
If you are worried about your own or someone else' drug use, the best thing to do is make sure you're armed with information and harm reduction advice. For free and confidential advice, information and treatment for drug misuse you can contact:
- CDT – for adults in Coventry – on 0800 783 0447
- Discovery – for young people and their parents in Coventry – on 0800 783 0319
You can also speak to your GP or a health visitor.
Information about drugs is also available from the national FRANK campaign on 0800 77 66 00 or at www.talktofrank.com.
Staying safe from alcohol
The Government recommends that men should only drink 3-4 units a day and 2-3 units for women. Binge drinking is classed as drinking double your recommended daily amount.
Excessive drinking can lead to complications and health problems. Below are some of the effects of drinking more than your recommended daily amount.
Short term effects:
Sexual difficulties like impotence
Slowed breathing and heartbeat
Increased risk of accident and injury
Poisoning which could be fatal
Long term effects:
Certain types of cancer
Liver and heart disease
Strokes
Weight gain
Skin problems, loss of body hair
For more inofrmation about alcohol please visit How much is too much? where you can find out all sorts of useful information from working out the units in your favourite drink to taking a short questionnaire to find out if you are at risk or not.
You can also find under 'advice and treatment' all the services available in Coventry, which offer free, confidential advice.
Contact:
Community Safety Team
Coventry City Council
Room 214 Broadgate House
Broadgate
Coventry CV1 1FS
Tel: 024 7683 2131
Fax: 024 7683 2978