Hong Kong is generally a safe city but the risk of you becoming the victim of crime does exist. This risk can be greatly reduced by taking some simple, sensible precautions.

At home

• Make sure your home is secure (see also the advice on domestic security).

• Use a mobile telephone or a second telephone line for added security.

• Draw your curtains after dark. If you notice any suspicious characters outside, dial 999.

• If you see signs of a break-in at your home, don't go in. Call the police.

• Don't give any information when answering the telephone. If a stranger calls, don't say you are alone.

• Don't say you are out on an answering machine message.

• If you receive a threatening, annoying or obscene telephone call, hang up without speaking or reacting at all. If the calls continue, inform the police.

• If you are selling your home or letting out a room, don't show people around on your own.

On public transport

• Sit next to the driver if the bus is empty.

• Keep valuable items such as mobile phones or music players out of sight or safely secured.

• Don't sleep while travelling.

Driving alone

• Keep to main roads where possible.

• Keep valuables out of sight.

• Check your car before getting out.

• Lock your car after getting in or out.

• Park in well-lit areas.

Walking alone

• Be alert, keep to well-lit areas.

• Don't walk at night if possible.

• Walk facing oncoming traffic and away from alleys and doorways.

• Don't enter a lift with strangers. If threatened, scream and run away.

• Cover up expensive jewellery and avoid carrying large sums of cash.