Leeds is a great place for a night out. There’s so much variety in terms of bars and social hotspots, and it always feels vibrant and full of life. But, as with any city, it's best to be vigilant while you’re out and about on an evening. You can still go out, let your hair down, and have a great time, but you need to know what to watch out for in order to keep yourself safe.

Watch your drinks

Something that can often happen on a night out is drink spiking, and this is very dangerous for many obvious reasons. Make sure you never leave your drink unattended – if you need to use the bathroom, either finish it first, or leave it with a friend. Avoid having strangers buy you drinks, and when walking through crowded areas, always be sure to cover your drink. It only takes a split second for someone to tip an illicit substance into your drink so it’s something to always be aware of on a night out.

Beware of pickpockets

Designer handbags, purses, wallets, watches and iPhones are the kind of items we usually take out with us into town, which is fine, but just be sure to keep them safe and close by at all times. There are lot of thieves operating in popular Leeds hotspots, particularly Call Lane. Where possible, don’t have your valuables on obvious display and do regular checks throughout the night to make sure everything is secure and that you aren’t missing anything.

Avoid deserted areas

Leeds city centre is very compact with all the major nightlife areas well-connected to one another, but it's a lot quieter around the outskirts of town. Try to avoid any industrial areas, deserted spots or streets with poor lighting as attacks in such places are not unheard of. Never walk home alone and always avoid walking along the River Aire. Several people fall into the River Aire each year with most cases ending in tragedy, and if you’re walking alone in a quiet area, you could be a target for criminals.

Take care with blind dates

With the likes of dating apps such as Tinder and Bumble, blind dates are very popular and it's not uncommon for us to meet up with strangers for a night out. Whilst most of these dates are harmless fun, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to help you stay safe. Never accept a lift on a date with a stranger and only agree to meet them in a well populated location. Make sure your phone is fully charged when you venture out, and tell your housemates where you’re going, who you’re with, and what time you expect to be back. If you find yourself in a worrying situation while on a date, be sure to alert a member of the bar staff or a bouncer. You can do this discretely thanks to the ‘Ask for Angela’ campaign – just ask a member of staff for Angela and they’ll take that as a sign you need some assistance and will be able to remove you from the situation to ensure you’re kept safe.