Police: Safety Tips for Runners, Joggers, and Walkers

The Leesburg Police department would like to warn runners, walkers, and joggers to be careful and take precautions, according to a September 25th release from the Leesburg Police Department.

This release came after a female runner was assaulted in Lansdowne, according to the Loudoun County’s Sheriff’s office.

The following are a series of personal safety tips for walkers, joggers and runners:

• BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AT ALL TIMES
• Walk /jog confidently
• Tell someone (friends or family) where you will be running and when you should be back.
• Look people in the eye as you pass them. This lets others know you are aware of their presence
• Run, jog, or walk with a known companion. (Safety in numbers!)
• Run, jog, or walk in a familiar area.
• Vary the route you take. Do not take the same route every day
• Do not run, jog, or walk in a heavily wooded, poorly lighted or secluded area.
• Particularly if running, jogging, or walking alone, don’t wear MP3 player earphones. Being able to hear your surroundings (traffic, people) will allow you to notice someone you don’t see.
• Do not run, jog, or walk after dark.
• Walk or jog facing traffic
• Do not run, jog, or walk near bushes, which can provide concealment.
• Wear bright colored clothing to improve your visibility, and shoes and clothes that allow freedom of movement
• Carry a cell phone in case of emergency
• Carry a whistle or high decibel battery powered personal alarm device when you run, jog, or walk.
• If followed, go to the nearest residence, open business or group of people.
• Carry your motor vehicle and/or home key with you.
• Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately.