POLICE have been giving local women vital tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime.

South Trafford's community safety officer PC Tony Crompton spent four days showing them ways to prevent muggings, robberies or worse.

About 250 women took part in the courses run by PC Crompton, acting Sgt Clare Coles, PC Sandra Callender and PC Nicola Graham. They conducted 12 seminars to help women anticipate risk and take action to avoid or remove the threat.

Regular SAM contributor Julia Taylor, who attended one of the sessions at Altrincham Town Hall, said: "They didn't have women's safety days when, as a teenager, I had my bag snatched. The culprit ran on to Altrincham Golf Course, calling to me to follow to get it back. Common sense prevailed and I stayed where I was."

Anna Boardman, from Cresta Holidays, said: "I thought the course was very good because we were made aware that every situation is a potential criminal situation and you have to take precautions."

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