A message from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust

In light of the events in tonight's dramatic episode of EastEnders, Jo Walker of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust offers some advice.

"For anyone who doesn’t know, Suzy Lamplugh was a young estate agent who disappeared in 1986 after arranging to meet an unknown client at an empty property in Fulham. Later that same year, her parents, Paul and Diana, founded the Trust in her name to highlight the risks people face at work and to offer advice on how to minimise the chance of becoming a victim of violence and aggression.

"When Suzy disappeared, there was no system in place at her work to record where members of staff were going or who they were meeting. Her office didn’t know when to expect her back and the alarm wasn’t actually raised until many hours later when she didn’t arrive home. Those hours could have made all the difference to possibly finding her alive.

"Since then Suzy Lamplugh Trust has grown considerably and its work has broadened to cover a much wider area than the original workplace concept, also aiming to help people improve their personal safety and reduce their risk of experiencing violence and aggression.

"Like everyone else, we have no idea who killed Lucy. However in her final moments we saw her read a message and head off to meet someone and, as in Suzy’s case, went without telling a third party where she was going, who she was meeting and when she expected to be back.

"If there is one piece of safety advice we could give to anyone, it would be to always let someone know those details – and if it’s appropriate, let whoever you’re meeting know that a third party is aware that you are with them.

"If you’re affected by Lucy’s story and concerned about your personal safety, there is a lot you can do to reduce any risks and improve your safety and confidence. The Trust offers advice on a whole range of safety issues on our website at http://www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety-tips/free-personal-safety-tips/

"The tragedy of Suzy’s disappearance really highlighted the need for having appropriate workplace safety policies in place. We are pleased that the story of Lucy Beale’s death could help to raise awareness of personal safety issues, the possible risks and make people think about taking suitable safety precautions when they are out and about, at work or socializing."

Jo Walker

Suzy Lamplugh Trust