Arm yorselves

They say it’s better to be safe than sorry, and for once, we agree.

There are many things you can do to stay safe when out at night or on your own. For some suggestions, click here.

But for that extra bit of Superhero-ness you may want to consider getting a Personal Attack Alarm.

They’re inexpensive, legal, small and most importantly, they make enough obnoxious noise enough to distract or draw attention in a scary situation (and we don’t mean running out of cash at the boozer).

Of the companies we investigated, our favourite is Cambridge-based Walk Easy Ltd. It sells about eight different types of alarms, including aerosol and key-ring-sized screechers but we dig their triple-action Trident Personal Attack Deterrent.

Not only does the Trident belt out a 138db scream but it also releases a foul, Resident-Evil-esque stench and covers your assailant in an ultra-violent identifier spray that adheres to skin and clothing and can be viewed under police lamps.

Other brands usually cost less than a tenner. Check with the thick-necked security types around campus to see if their department stocks them.

On guard!