Woman drunkThe fantastic freedom, opportunities and independence women have enjoyed in the last few decades have come at a price - that of personal safety.

Indeed, former Crimewatch presenter Fiona Bruce admits that in her 20s she put herself into some potentially risky situations.

She'd sometimes get completely plastered on a raucous night out with the girls and on two occasions left the front door open all night, not realising what she'd done until she woke up the next morning, horribly hungover.

"In the past, women didn't go out alone or with other groups of women in the way they do now. They didn't get off their heads in the way they do now. In some ways that's a great freedom but in other ways it brings its own risks," says the BBC News presenter.She's also been burgled three times and was in the house on two occasions, having only pulled the front door to, without locking it. Both times the thief escaped with her handbag - left in the hall - and coats.

Her Crimewatch colleague, Metropolitan police officer Jacqui Hames, has been burgled twice.

Hames says: "I had all my jewellery in one box which was taken in a complete lump. There was a locket my mother had given me as a birthday present which was engraved and had my children's photos in it.

"Anyone who says burglary is a minor crime has never been a victim of one. It's not just the fear of it, it's losing things like that locket which are so close to you. The older you get, the more attached to your belongings you become and they acquire enormous sentimental value which you can't put a value on."

Now, the pair's experiences of crime has prompted them to write Savvy!, a personal safety guide aimed at all women, particularly those who are going to university, going travelling, leaving home, starting a new job or moving to another city.

Bruce says: "Crimewatch has changed my attitude to personal safety, not because of Jill (Dando, the previous Crimewatch presenter who was murdered) but because listening to the inquiries you can't help but think about your own safety a bit more and be much more aware of the consequences of not locking your front door properly."

Hames adds: "Over the past 30 years women have enjoyed a fantastic freedom, to travel, to succeed in business, in the workplace, to go out when they want with whom they want. But with that freedom there are new risks to consider."

"People's fear of crime has gone up because we hear so much more about it," she continues. "It's sad to think that half of all women have a fear of going out in the evenings. They are generally worried about the most serious offences, like being dragged into an alley by a stranger, which is incredibly rare."

When you're young you feel invincible, says Bruce, who recalls walking home at 3am from clubs or getting on a night bus on her own. She'd never do that now.

Alcohol plays a big part in women's vulnerability, they agree, but they are not trying to preach to young women not to drink at all, Bruce insists.

"Are we saying, 'Only have one glass of wine?' Clearly not. But when it comes to booze, if you are going out and want to drink as much as you want to drink, just think beforehand how you are going to get home. If you're in a group, you need to look out for each other. One of you needs to vaguely keep your act together so you're not so vulnerable."

Here are some of the tips Bruce and Hames offer to minimise personal risk:

Home security
Get a five-lever mortice lock, placed about a third of the way up the door. It fits into a hole cut into the door and has keyholes on both sides, creating a deadlock. Think about installing hinge bolts too. Have a peephole fitted in the front door so you can see who is outside and a chain so you can check out ID. If you are unsure, check with the caller's office before you allow them in.

Keep your most precious things out of sight. If your computer is clearly visible from the street, get some blinds or curtains to hide it from passers by.

Don't put all your jewellery in one box. Keep cheap, everyday stuff out on display and hide the rest away.

Travel
If you're going on a wild night out, think about how you are going to get home. Plan your journey so you're not left stranded flagging down the nearest cab, which might not be licensed.

Don't listen to your iPod when you're walking to and from a bus stop or station. You need to be aware of what's going on around you.

Watch your bag. Keep it on your lap with the opening facing inwards to your body. Don't put it on the floor by the aisle.

Avoid travelling alone on public transport late at night.

There's safety in numbers. Travel with friends, maybe asking if you could stay at your friend's house for the night.

Use the front or middle carriages. They are less likely to empty suddenly. Choose carriages with plenty of people in them, but avoid those carrying people who are all part of the same group.

At the station, stay in well-lit areas on the platform. Stay near platform staff until the train arrives.

If you suspect you're being followed when walking home, cross the road. If the person behind you crosses too, go and knock on the nearest door or go to the closest pub or shop.

Take flat shoes with you to change into if you know you have to walk home.

If you are driving, lock all the doors and keep your bag off the passenger seat and your mobile out of sight.

Drinking
Eat before drinking to slow down alcohol absorption.

Set yourself a drinks limit in advance and stick to it.

Drink smaller glasses. A large glass of wine can be equivalent to a third of a bottle.

Drink a glass of water or a soft drink after every glass of alcohol.

Take it in turns to keep a look-out on your drinks and keep them with you until they're finished.
If you're really worried, use a protective stopper to cover your drink. There are many on the market, including a Spikey which fits over the top of a drinks bottle, making it almost impossible to add drugs to a drink.

To test if your drink has been spiked use a Drink Detective, a test kit which will indicate where a drink has been spiked with Ketamine, GHB or Rohypnol.

Money
Carry as little cash as you can get away with. Secrete £10 somewhere on your person in case you are pickpocketed or mugged.

Look around you before you use the cashpoint. If anyone suspicious is lurking, don't use it. Go into the bank or find a different cashpoint.

Don't engage in conversation with strangers at cash machines, as distraction means someone could rob you or note your PIN number.

If the machine doesn't look right, don't use it. Fraudsters attach devices to the entry slot of cash machines to record details of the magnetic strip when it is inserted, allowing them to capture your PIN number, in a process called 'skimming'.

Don't use the same PIN number for all your cards. More than one in four of us do. And never write your PIN number down because thieves will look out for it in your diary or address book. If you have trouble remembering your different PINs, think of the shape you're putting into the keypad rather than the actual numbers.

Romance
Stay safe while flirting in bars and clubs. Don't get paralytic.

Think about the information you are giving him. You know nothing about him. How much do you want him to know about you?

Don't leave your bag with him while you go to the loo.

Don't send out mixed messages. Is he mistaking your friendliness for a come-on? When you accept the offer of another drink, is he thinking his luck's in later on?

Their book Savvy! The Modern Girl's Guide To Doing It All Without Risking It All, is out now.