IN light of the increase in violent crime I would urge people to study books such as ‘Dead or Alive: the choice is yours’ by Geoff Thompson and the recently published ‘SAFE: how to stay safe in a dangerous world’ by former SAS soldier Chris Ryan.

This isn’t victim-blaming – I was attacked and hospitalised in 2006 and 2007 and studying books taught me how I became a victim and how I could avoid becoming a victim again.

Not all crimes can be prevented but a surprising number can and in a time of austerity and police funding cuts, it’s even more important people take responsibility for their own personal safety.

Michael Egan, The Shires