Safer nights out

There's nothing better than a good night out and nothing worse than a bad one. These tips will help you stay safe and have a great night every step of the way.

Before heading out

Make sure you know who's coming out and how you're getting home
Choose a meeting point where you'll wait for friends if you get separated
Have the number of a reputable private hire company in your phone. Day and night time ranks are currently located on Mercers Row and Marefair. Night time ranks (11pm until 5am) operate on George Row, Lady's Lane and Bridge Street. Privately operated ranks are also located at Northampton train station and the Weston Favell shopping centre
Charge your phone - a flat battery is no use to anyone. (For about £5 you can buy a portable power bank to give your phone a boost while you're out.)
Save an ICE (in-case-of-emergency) contact on your phone. You can use the medical ID on your smart phone - just make sure you select 'show when locked'. If you go out with a regular group, why not think about saving each other's emergency contacts on your phones as a backup?
Consider downloading a Safety App
Read our Safety Tips for things you can do to keep yourself safe on a night out
Plan how to get home before you head out!

While you're out

There are a number of initiatives to keep you safe while you are out, including the Sno Van, Street Pastors and Guardians. See Safer Nights Out
Tell someone if you decide to leave earlier than planned
Text the address to someone you trust if you decide to go home with someone new
Feel uncomfortable on a date? Ask for Angela at the bar for discreet help out of an uncomfortable situation.

Getting home

Never accept a lift from a stranger, there are plenty of licensed taxis in Northampton
Hail a black cab in the street or at a taxi rank, or ring ahead to book a private hire car to collect you from wherever you are
A licensed taxi or private hire vehicle will always display a licence plate with details of the licence number and the Councils logo. (It's a good idea to make a note of the licence number, as it will make things a lot easier if you lose something or want to make a complaint.)
If you have any concerns about a taxi or private hire driver please report this using our online form
If you choose to walk home, think ahead and plan your route to make sure you stick to well-lit areas and stay away from shady shortcuts. Always try to walk with friends
Get home quickly and safely by downloading an approved safer route home from Northampton Town Centre back to the University of Northampton's Waterside Campus.

In case of emergency

If there is an emergency call 999 immediately.

For non-emergencies or if you would like to report a crime which has already happened, please dial 101 to talk to Northamptonshire Police.

Street harassment and violence against women and girls

It Only Takes One campaign to tackle harassment and call out inappropriate behaviour was created in partnership with West Northants Council, Northants police, Northamptonshire Police crime Commissioners Office and North Northants Council. The campaign also includes an extensive programme of environmental improvements, including CCTV and help points on the Racecourse, Becket’s Park, All Saints Plaza, and Abington Street.

Ask for Angela on a night out for discreet help out of an uncomfortable situation.

For more information on what works have been done to make Northampton a safer place take a look at our Safer Streets page.

Further resources

For more advice on personal safety please visit:

Last updated 20 December 2023