If you have only recently arrived in the United Kingdom, there may be many things about the way of life here that are unfamiliar. This section has some very basic information about what support is available to help you, how the law can protect you and how you can avoid breaking the law.
The police:
The British police are here to protect you from criminals and harm. You are entitled to the same high-quality service from the police whatever your nationality, gender, colour or religion.
The police are not part of the immigration system and have no say in whether you or other foreign nationals are allowed to work or stay in this country. If a police officer speaks to you, it is important that you give your correct name and address. Remember, it is their responsibility to help you.
If you need the police in an emergency, you should telephone 999 – you will be able to receive help even if you do not speak English. If you need to speak to the police in other circumstances, please call 0845 606 0606, or visit your local police station.
Weapons:
It is an offence to carry a knife, gun or any other weapon, even for self defence.
Cars and driving:
You must have a valid driving licence, motor insurance, vehicle registration certificate, road tax and usually an MOT certificate, before you can legally drive a car or other motor vehicle.
Drugs:
In the United Kingdom, alcohol is legal, and consumed by many people. You must be at least 18 years old before you are allowed to buy alcohol from a shop or bar. You may be asked to prove you are old enough. It is an offence to drink so much that you are not able to control your behaviour.
You must be at least 16 years old before you are allowed to buy tobacco or cigarettes. You may be asked if you are old enough. Cannabis, heroin, opium and cocaine are illegal, and it is a serious offence to possess or use them.
You should only use drugs for medical purposes if they have been prescribed for you by a doctor, or if you have bought them at a pharmacy. If you use medical drugs from unofficial sources, you could be putting your health at risk.
Women:
Women and men have equal rights. You may not beat or harm a woman even if you are married to her or she is a member of your family.
If you are are a woman and are being beaten or harmed by a man, you are entitled to protection even if he is your husband, partner or relative. You should report this to the police, the council or to one of the Hate Crime Reporting Centres throughout the city. It is normal and respectable for women of all ages to go about in public without a chaperone.
Women’s clothing in the United Kingdom may be different from what is worn in your own country. You should not make assumptions about a woman’s character or occupation because of the clothes she wears, as this could easily cause serious offence.
Children:
You are not allowed to beat or harm children, not even your own.
Marriage and sex:
You are allowed to marry at 16 if you have the permission of your parents. If you are 18 or older, you may marry without the permission of anyone else. Nobody is allowed to force you to marry someone you do not want to. You are not allowed to have sex with someone who is under 16 years old. This is a very serious crime in the United Kingdom.
Homosexuality:
Homosexuality is legal in the United Kingdom. You are not allowed to harm, insult or harass people because they are homosexual. If you are homosexual, and are being harmed, insulted or harassed by people, you are entitled to protection. You should report this to the police, the council or to one of the Hate Crime Reporting Centres throughout the city.
Racism, religious prejudice and similar crimes:
You are not allowed to harm, insult or harass people because of their race, their religion, their ethnic origin, or because they are disabled. If you are being harmed, insulted or harassed by people because of your race, your religion, your ethnic origin or because you are disabled, you are entitled to protection. You should report this to the police, the council or to one of the Hate Crime Reporting Centres throughout the city.
Prostitution:
Prostitution, using the services of prostitutes or having prostitutes work for you are all illegal in the United Kingdom.
If you are being made to work as a prostitute against your will, you are entitled to protection. You should report this to the police, the council or to one of the Hate Crime Reporting Centres throughout the city.
Crime prevention:
Leeds is a generally safe city and crimes like burglary and robbery are becoming less frequent. By following some simple advice, it is easy to reduce the risk even further:
- Always leave your windows and doors closed and locked when you are not in the house.
- Do not allow people you do not know into your home unless they have official identification and permission.
- Do not carry large amounts of money or other valuables around with you.
Useful telephone numbers:
- Police (in an emergency) 999
- Police (non-emergency) 0845 6060606
- Neighbourhood and Street Wardens 0800 0858121 (24 hours)
- Anti-Social Behaviour Unit 0113 222 4402
- National Domestic Violence helpline 0808 200 0247
- Leeds Racial Harassment Project 0113 293 5100
- Leeds City Council 0113 222 4444
- Hate Crime reporting 0113 398 4701
- For free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day talk to FRANK on 0800 77 66 00.
If you are a victim of crime you can contact Victim Support on 0113 3951260 or the national Victim Support line on 0845 30 30 900 www.victimsupport.org.uk.