The disappearance of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh highlighted
the potential dangers of meeting someone away from your office. 99% of your
meetings will be bona fide, however, that remaining 1% should not be ignored.
You have a duty to take care and your employer has a duty to help you do
so. Please read the advice below. If you need further information contact
your local police Crime Prevention Officer.
Keeping Appointments:
Keep a diary and make sure that you keep it up to date. Include the name
of your contact - their telephone number (ensure that it is genuine - use
it to contact your appointee) - the name, address and 'phone number of the
firm they represent
Tell someone where you are going and who you are meeting.
Give them an estimated time of return
carry a mobile 'phone. If you don't have one, ask your firm to supply
one. If they refuse, apply pressure using Health & Safety as leverage.
If meeting in an isolated location, or if you have ANY concerns about
the appointment, take a colleague with you.
Attending Courses
Travelling by Car
Carry an up to date map and learn the route before setting out. This will
avoid the need for you to stop and ask directions.
Ensure that you have membership to one of the motoring oganisations, just
in case you break down.
Tell a colleague of your planned route, estimated time of arrival and
return.
Travelling by Train
Avoid compartment carriages. Choose a carriage which is fairly full if
possible.
If there is guard, make a point of saying hello. This should ensure that
he will remember you if anything were to happen.
If you do not know how to get to your venue, take a taxi.
Working as a Rep.
Send a weekly journey plan to your office - even if this is not a
requirement!
If you are servicing existing cutomers, include a contact number for each.
Phone in to the office at least once a day. Leave instructions that if
you have not contacted the office by a certain time, they should try to contact
you.
Carry a mobile 'phone.
Check out the section above regarding "Keeping Appointments"
If you have had experience of danger whilst working away from the office,
or if you can contribute more advice to this section,
pleaseEmail us.
Thank you.