One in four Britons have felt unsafe during dates in past year, study claims

Tips for staying safe include background checks and listening to gut instinct

Younger people are apparently better than their older counterparts at letting others know where they are going (AFP/Getty Images)

One in four Britons have feared for their safety during a date in the past year, a report has found.

The study also revealed 49 per cent have continued with a date despite feeling uncomfortable – just to be polite.

Worryingly, one third have neglected to tell a friend or family member their whereabouts when meeting someone for the first time.

In fact, just a fifth always keep in contact with friends or family during a first date.

Produced by dating app Plenty of Fish, the Safer Dating Report was developed with cyber security expert and ex-undercover police officer Danni Brooke, from Channel 4’s ‘Hunted’.

The report, which found a quarter feel they don’t know enough about safe dating, aims to educate and empower singles with practical guidance to help them date more safely.

Shannon Smith, spokeswoman for Plenty of Fish, said: “We commissioned the research to arm single people with information and tools to help them date as safely as possible.

“It’s very heartening to see younger generations taking the lead and setting a strong example when it comes to forming new relationships.

“They’re plugged in, connected and using all the tools at their disposal to ensure their dating experience is as positive as possible.”

Before meeting a new love interest, daters would like to have access to their full name, age, images of the person, relationship intention and mobile phone number.

Just 19 per cent of the 2,000 adults polled would want to know if their romantic interest has a criminal history.

However, the research carried out through OnePoll found those aged 18-24 tend to be more cautious when dating compared to those aged 25 plus.

Two thirds of 18-24-year-olds have alerted a friend or family member to their whereabouts during a date.

That’s 10 per cent more than the number of 25-34-year-olds who have kept others informed, and 11 per cent more than 35-44-year-olds.

Danni Brooke's dating safety tips:

1. Do background checks on your date
2. Listen to your gut instinct
3. Always tell someone where you’re going and with who
4. Have the date at a known public place
5. If you are not 100 per cent comfortable – leave. Do not stay just to be polite
6. Make sure you have battery life on your phone
7. Set up a coded call with your friend, even if you are okay
8. Get to the date location early
9. Set up 'Find my Friends' on your phone
10. Arrange your transport to and from the date ahead of time

SWNS