By Chirag Trivedi BBC News Online, London

Charlie McGrath teaches people to be prepared for danger

That is the sort of advice given by a company, formed by two SAS officers, which has launched a new course to teach people how to survive in inner cities - especially in the run up to Christmas.

The Urban Safety Awareness course was launched by Objective, a firm which runs gap year safety courses for youngsters heading to dangerous countries.

Charlie McGrath, one of the directors of the company, said inspiration for the new course came from a worried mother.

Mr McGrath, who spent 15 years in the army, explained: "We were running the gap-year course, when we got a call from a woman who was worried not because her daughter was going to Cambodia - but because she was moving from Suffolk to London."

There is a small amount of self-defence taught, but if someone has to use it then we've feel as though we have failed - they should be able to avoid trouble in the first place Charlie McGrath

The course is run by, among others, Nick Nash and Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, both of whom served with the elite SAS unit for 20 years and are directors of Objective, based in Braunston, Northamptonshire.

They give the seminars, which last less than day, to individuals and organisations across the country.

"We had one elderly gentleman in north London, who had lost his confidence and was terrified of living in London," Mr McGrath said.

"He had barricaded himself in and would not even go upstairs. We helped him with security advice and he now sleeps upstairs."

The company's help could come in useful in the run up to Christmas, when throngs of shoppers provide rich pickings for thieves and people become more vulnerable in the party season.

Think about things before you leave the house. Ask yourself, do I really need a wallet or a purse? Will �50 and a card do? Charlie McGrath

"Staying safe is about forward planning and preparation," he said.

"There is a small amount of self-defence taught, but if someone has to use it then we've feel as though we have failed - they should be able to avoid trouble in the first place."

He added: "Most of it is common sense stuff.

"But we do give specific information such as if you are opening a bag or getting your mobile out, do it against a wall so no-one can approach you from behind.

Dummy wallets

"Or carry a dummy wallet so if you are mugged you can hand that over.

"And if you are walking on your own down a street, if possible walk facing traffic so cars can't approach you from behind to abduct you."

He also has advice for people during the party season.

"Think about things before you leave the house. Ask yourself, do I really need a wallet or a purse? Will �50 and a card do?," he said.

Date rape drugs

"For women, if you are wearing a short dress and know you might have to go home at night on your own, take a long coat.

"Order your cab from the club or pub instead of hanging around on the streets looking for one.

"And with women, with the threat of date rape drugs, always keep an eye on your drinks.

"If you are in a group don't all go off dancing at once."

They have also been called in by schools to give advice to pupils and by companies who want their employees to stay safe.

"Companies have a duty to the workers but are also aware of the loss of productivity if someone has to take time off if they have their handbag stolen, for example," Mr McGrath said.