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Welcome to this crisis help page. If you are suffering a form of crisis or know a friend or relative that is, information here could help.

It is a new area and will grow as more and more people input information. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please tell us and we'll do our best for you. To comment or add information - simply click here.

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Crisis Control

By Peter Yexley

Disaster strikes when you least expect it, would you know what to do if you found a dead body, or received a blackmail threat - worst still if you discovered a bomb? With the best will in the world it is difficult to keep a cool head when you are caught in a crisis. Here I have listed a few incidents that could happen, and do happen. Whilst advice is given here, always double check and confirm it with the relevant authorities. If you are an employee or employer compare this with your standing orders or written instructions.
Always respect the advice from your Crime Prevention Department.
Always seek legal council as this feature is for reference only, needless to say that I cannot be held responsible for actions taken as a result of this information!

Aids Helpline 0800 567 123

Age Concern 0181 679 800

Alcohol Abuse - Alcoholics Anonymous 0345 697555. HAPAS Local Alcohol Advice 01727 827677.
Drinkline 0345 320202

Armed Robbery - No heroics! Let us first get this out of the way, never think for one minute that handing over the cash is an act of cowardice - it is the right thing to do. Most attacks are over in thirty seconds, the robber wants it over as quickly as possible and so does the victim. So give him the cash and help him on his way!

Remember the robber may be under the influence of drink, drugs or solvent and your own movements may be exaggerated or distorted. Don't show hostility, reticence or any indication of resistance. Don't try to rationalise with him, he may think you are buying time. The robber is possibly as nervous as you and any sudden movement could startle him into adverse actions, therefore warn him of any possible surprises such as an expected colleague due to arrive or to the fact that you have to reach out to a cash drawer or safe key in your pocket. Always ignore the telephone unless told otherwise and if you do answer it be cautious about what you say.

Don't stare at the robber, it will aggravate him and he'll be aware that you are trying to memorise his features, look at those that are not looking at you! Above all don't put yourself at any risk, but try to remember some physical characteristics - height, hair colouring, shape of head, neck and ears. If you are told to lay on the floor, try to remember the type, style and colour of his footwear, look at his heels and see how if are worn, dirty, new, clean etc.

After the robber has fled, without putting yourself at risk, see if you can get details of the car, the driver and escape route. Then call the police, sit down and gather your thoughts. Write down all you can remember, but try not to be influenced by what others think they saw!

Arson -If discover a fire and attempt to fight it (after you have called the Fire Brigade) even if you have successfully extinguished it, you should still call out the fire fighters. Remember without witnesses, arson can only be forensically proven, therefore you must prevent others from gaining access to the area until the authorities have sanctioned re-entry.

Assault- Witnesses need to be sought, ask bystanders if they saw the incident and ask if they would await the arrival of police, or would they provide their name and address in order that they may be contacted later. Look around the area for CCTV cameras which may have recorded the incident.

Blackmail - If written, don't excessively handle the letter, don't show others at this stage, insert the note in a clear plastic folder and the envelope in another and contact police irrespective of demands. If by phone, contact the police, they may suggest you contact your telephone service provider for information on monitoring facilities. Try dialing 1471 if BT and see Telephone Bomb Threats here for information on signaling.

Bullying - This is not just a minor playground matter, it is serious and goes on at work and socially. It should be monitored and treated in much the same way as Racial Abuse.

Metropolitan Police web page on bullying click here

Bomb Threats -Click here

Burglary- Upon discovery prevent access to avoid contamination of evidence and contact police. If you are a business or organisation refer to your standing orders. Contact your facilities manager and ensure you contact other parties such as insurance and loss assessors. If you have not got a list of all items on the premises with serial numbers and identification marks, do so now. It is a good idea to photographs valuables and keep the pictures in a fireproof safe.

Childline. 0800 1111

Citizen's Advice Bureau - 01727 855269

Citizens Arrest- Extreme caution should be taken as a private prosecution could result in the 'arrestor' becoming the offender. Seek legal advice.

Cheque/credit card fraud.- To limit liability notify your insurance company, bank or credit card company. If you do not have a not of your card numbers, make one now but don't write down your personal identification number! Free information is available from Card Watch Information Office.FREEPOST OF438, PO box 21, 47 Aylesbury Road, Thame OX9 3BR,

County Council (Hertfordshire) 01992 555 555

Death (Sudden)- Finding a body can be a very traumatic experience, especially if the deceased is a relative, close friend or colleague. The finder may need to be treated for shock but not given alcohol. A good stiff drink does not help victims of shock, a cup of sweet tea is much better. Do not disturb the body, ask everyone to leave the area and call the police and ambulance. You must not pronounce anyone as being dead and never contact relatives until the authorities have completed their initial inquiries. A doctor may need to be summoned and Coronor's staff will remove the body.

If possible, find out if the person was ill and on medication, personal details will be required but avoid searching the person, let the police do so.

Domestic Violence.

If you feel threatened in a domestic situation or you know of someone who could be at risk.

CLICK HERE

Drinkline 0345 320202

Drug Abuse- Drug Care 01727 834539

Eastern Electricity 01582 498888

Everyman 0171 793 0155

GALOP 0171 233 0854

GAS Emergency. 0800 111 999

Help The Aged. 0800 65 00 65

Housing Advisory Service 01727 966100

Legal Advice - click here