ONE of the south's leading theatres has pledged its support to ensure more people are aware of their personal safety.

Southampton's Mayflower theatre is displaying the Daily Echo's Be Safe, Be Sensible awareness posters in its box office.

The 2,298-seat theatre regularly hosts sell-out shows, which means thousands of theatre-goers each week leave the venue late at night.

With many popular shows such as the recent Beauty and the Beast finishing about 10.30pm people have to return to their cars in unlit side streets and car parks, making them vulnerable to attack.

Patrick Brookes, spokesman for the Commercial Road theatre, said: "It's important that people are aware and should not take risks. Around here it is quite well lit but as people return to their cars there are areas which are not so well lit.

"I'm not aware of us ever having any problems with our customers returning home but it's better to be safe than sorry."

The Daily Echo's safety awareness campaign has already won the support of Hampshire police as well as many of the county's schools, colleges and pubs.

Following a series of sexual assaults on women in the Fareham area, people county-wide are advised to follow a five-point plan to ensure they are safe and sensible:

Don't walk home alone.

Be picked up by a friend or trusted taxi.

Stick to well lit main roads.

Carry a personal alarm.

Don't ignore your instincts.

If you would like to support our campaign, telephone the newsdesk on 023 8042 4520.