Personal alarms - any good?

[supergolden88]

My bag was stolen last night at 5.30pm right opposite my daughter's school. Thankfully she wasn't with me at the time but the whole thing has left me quite shaken and very angry.

I wonder if I should buy one of those personal alarms - I think it would have helped in that situation.Has anyone got one of those and would you recommend it or anything else? I also go running around Peckham Rye common in the evenings after it gets dark on my own...

[chantelle]

sorry to hear about your bag. It can't hurt to get a personal alarm, though I don't know how effective it would be - it would depend on the situation and proximity of others. I am also a jogger around Peckham Rye and always carry an alarm after dark. I also carry it when going in for work before sunrise in winter. I've actually got two - one that you hold in your hand and push in the top of it, the other you pull out a cord. I usually carry the push-down one as it's easy to hold in my hand or slip in my pocket. i think i got both of them off ebay. Have had them a while so hopefully they still work if put to the test.

hope you don't have need for one though!

[supergolden88]

Hi Chantelle - do you mind jotting down the brand names for me? I was going to get something on Amazon but not sure which one. I am still in disbelief that I was mugged. I hate feeling like a victim and I hate the fact that this opportunistic prick got away with my personal effects. He also pushed me hard against a metal railing because I resisted when he tried to grab my bag so I now have a very sore back.

Still I am dying to go out running again (once my back is better) but don't feel like I should until I get that alarm!

[Buffy99]

Hi - did you find an alarm? I just ask as I am also a runner, and have found a really handy pedometer with a personal alarm built in. I purchased it from www.safe-girl.co.uk

Good luck!

[dulwichgirl2]

Sorry to hear especially as you have a lot to cope with. :-(

Presume you got a description to the police ASAP and they drive around but could not find him. Disgusting.

A serious physical assault deserving a medium length custodial sentence if caught.

[supergolden88]

I did get an alarm but running is out for the time being. I have to remind myself to carry it (in my bag) I have a fear of setting it off accidentally.

But yes the police did not have a case they did not catch him. I still think about it months later and get very angry

[baobei]

I hate feeling like a victim and I hate the fact that this opportunistic prick got away with my personal effects.

http://www.filii.info/g.gif

[esme]

Personal alarm might make you feel safer but the chances are you would be too shocked to use it soon enough, I think a class in self defence might be more valuable or just a small can of hairspray in your pocket - haha one of the last remaining things you can legally carry and which could prove mighty useful if attacked (not that I take my own advice, just try to avoid places that are too dark n lonely generally!)...