Minimising Risk

During The Meeting

Entering someone else’s home provides them with the upper hand. It’s important that you conduct client visits safely. Here are our tips:

18

Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy about anything, don’t tell yourself it’s fine; take action to improve your safety. For example, arrange for a colleague to attend the viewing with you or make an excuse to leave and don’t enter the property.

19

Don’t wear expensive jewellery or carry a designer bag. If you don’t have a specific uniform, wear clothes that you can easily move around in.

20

Keep a clear path to the door and be aware of any obstacles. Avoid positioning yourself so that you become trapped (i.e. in a corner or behind the resident). Where possible, be the closest person to the exit.

21

Avoid sitting in the kitchen (too many possible weapons; boiling water, knives etc.) Always wait to be invited to sit and try to sit in a hard backed chair (they are easier to rise from in a hurry).

22

If there are dogs in the house, you can ask the client to remove them. Under the The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Part 7 Dangerous Dogs – Keeping dogs under proper control, dog owners have a responsibility to ensure that they keep their dogs under control.

23

When entering a confined area or room of the property, take a mental note of how the door opens (e.g. push or pull) and how any locks operate in case you need to make an emergency exit.

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As a service provider, you are expected to always have a courteous attitude. Respect the client's personal space by maintaining an appropriate distance and professional conduct.

25

Walk in to the property with purpose and look alert. Don’t get distracted by checking your phone or have your hands full with too much equipment.

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Avoid giving out personal information, such as your address or phone number. You are there to do a job and the clients don’t need that level of detail about you.

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Restrict access to your phone by adding security measures such as a passcode, password pattern or facial recognition. If you have an iPhone, make sure ‘Find My iPhone’ is enabled so you can remotely wipe your device if the need arises.

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Always remember to keep your cool. Never show a client that you are intimidated or scared - they may try to take advantage of the situation by being threatening and manipulative. Always remain professional and if the situation gets out of control or dangerous — leave. Your employer cannot dismiss or discipline you for leaving your workplace
because of danger which you believe to be ‘serious and imminent’ and which you could not be reasonably expected to prevent.

29

Consider carrying a personal safety alarm which can discreetly raise an SOS alarm at the touch of a button. Controllers in an alarm receiving centre (ARC) will be notified that you’re involved in an incident and will escalate the situation accordingly.

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Alternatively, consider carrying a screech alarm, which you could use to shock and disorientate an attacker if necessary, giving you vital time to get away.

31

Visually check the surrounding area or parking area when leaving. Be aware that carrying valuable equipment such as a laptop or tablet can make you a target to opportunistic thieves.

32

If you are being followed, do not drive home; drive to the nearest police station and sound the horn or drive to an open petrol station or business where you can safely call the police.

33

Consider taking a self-defence course. A good program will include both practical ways to keep yourself safe as well as hands-on training for breaking holds so you feel confident that you will know what to do if that moment arises.