If you know you will be driving home at night, try and think ahead. If possible, park your car as close to where you need to be as possible and in a well lit car park. Also, if you can park it close to other cars and where there are lots of people this will help too.

When approaching your car, have your car keys in your hand so that you can get into your car quickly.

Don't put your handbag or valuables on your passenger seat at any time of day. If you leave your doors unlocked or a window open, it is very easy for a would-be thief to open the door or put a hand through the window when you are stopped at traffic lights.

When driving alone at night LOCK YOUR DOORS. It is an open invitation to an attacker who can get in on the passenger side or open the driver's side to pull you out remarkably quickly when stopped at traffic lights etc.

Have your mobile phone somewhere within easy reach in case of an accident or other emergency.

Let someone know when you are beginning your journey and what time you expect to be home. You can then let them know when you have arrived safely. If you don't, they'll know to raise the alarm.

If you breakdown:

Stay in your car and lock your doors - especially at night. Don't get out to see what the problem is...your breakdown company will figure this out for you when they get there! Even if it is just a flat tyre and you know how to change it. Better that a mechanic do it for you than put yourself at risk!

Always have emergency numbers such as breakdown assistance etc close at hand.

Call someone at home or a friend to let them know where you are and who your breakdown company is.

If you are worried or are approached by someone who concerns you flash your hazard lights, beep your horn and make as much of a scene as possible. Drawing attention to yourself in this way is likely to deter any would be attacker who wants to keep his identity a secret!