When it comes to personal safety, you must be like a boy scout and always be prepared.
Unfortunately it is a sad fact that the world in which we live in today is not as safe as it once was.
The number of muggings on the Costa Blanca has risen significantly, and although personal attacks are thankfully very rare, we must always be vigilant and look after our own personal safety.
There are of course a number of ways in which you can do this. These include making sure that if you are walking alone at night you stick to areas with plenty of street lighting, try to keep to areas you know are safe and when walking on the pavement stay near the wall rather than next to the road.
Other ways to avoid crime to the person is to try not to carry a handbag and never leave your wallet exposed in your back pocket.
Most of us will do the above as part of our everyday routine, but a small memory slip and you could be adding to the number of mugging victims.
There are of course other ways to prevent personal crime and make it that bit harder for opportunistic thieves.

How alarming!
Personal alarms are a great deterrent. Many worry that members of the public take no notice of these, but they are proven to add extra security and could well scare off your attacker.
Choosing a personal alarm is more difficult. Some people opt for pepper spray or a small can of hairspray, but the traditional personal alarm is also a great option.
When looking for a personal alarm you should always check the alarm sound. Generally if the alarm omits a sound of more than a piercing 120Db then it is enough to send your attacker on the run.

Ring any bells?
It is essential that you buy an alarm that is easy to get to and has a rip-cord or some device which is easy to set off. Be careful here though as you don’t want something that will be screeching from your pocket at the slightest touch.
Alarms are usually gas or battery operated, so be sure not to let them run down. Most alarms will provide you with more than two hours continuous run and Sureguard do a great selection.
If you don’t want to carry around a bulky alarm, then the best option is to buy a miniature keyring alarm. These omit the same amount of sound output and are operated by pressing the base which is housed in plastic. The keyring alarm proves that size really  doesn’t matter!

What a gas
Then there’s the gas operated personal alarm, which needs no batteries.
This works off gas (hardly a surprise really considering the title) and all you have to do is lock down the head and the alarm will sound until the gas runs out. These omit slightly less power when it comes to sound, but at 115 decibels you will see the attacker complaining.
Trident do a multi-functional personal attack alarm which is designed not only to produce an ear-piercing 138 decibel sound output, but also releases a repelling odour and an ultraviolet tracer.
The aim of this alarm is to create a very unpleasant environment for the attacker and encourages them to flee, which is always the best option as you should never try to tackle the situation yourself.
The odour will leave a highly distinguishable smell on the attackers clothes, and the ultraviolet tracer can be used by the police.

To coin a phrase
Most alarms cost around 10 euros, so they are well worth purchasing. But remember that personal attack alarms are only ever a preventative measure, and that you should always be aware of your environment and if you ever feel uneasy in a situation attempt to leave as quickly as possible.

Additional personal safety tips:
*When alone at night in a public place don’t let people get too close. If you feel uneasy go into a shop or put your back to the wall.
*When leaving a bank or cash-point machine be aware of your surroundings. By ignoring your surroundings you could fall victim to crime. The best time to go to the bank or cash-point machine is during daylight hours, and try not to use an ATM machine at night in an unfamiliar area.
*If walking alone try and plan your route before you go so you don’t end up in an unfamiliar part of town.
*Mobile phones provide extra security. If you feel uneasy phone a friend as this will sometimes deter the attacker.
*Always let someone know where you are going.
*When in your car always lock the doors.