Security - Safer Campus

On this page:

• Before going out
• Whilst Out
• Getting Back
• Safer Homes
• Safer Cycles

Never leave any of your personal items unattended anywhere on campus!!

The most common offence against students is theft of unattended items – although it is the most common, it is the easiest offence to prevent…

University Campuses are very open sites to the public, and it is very easy for someone intent on crime to gain access to pretty much all but the most restricted areas. Do not rely on the security of access codes or swipe card systems, as these will not work if someone has politely held the door open for the person behind (which could be a thief!), or if someone has wedged the door open. Office doors are frequently left unlocked and unattended – leaving access to personal items and office computers etc!

Unattended theft can occur anywhere, but the most common areas are, e.g. the library, where, you may leave your possessions at your desk to save the spot for a short period to go and find a book; at the edge of sports pitches/astro turfs whilst you are playing, or in the sports changing facilities where you may leave your personal items out in the changing room whilst you go for a shower.

Exam periods are also vulnerable as some campus locations ask students to leave their bags/rucksacks outside the examination room – do not run the gauntlet that it will still be there whilst you are sweating over your exam paper for 3 hours!

When you go on a night out it should be a night to remember (even if you struggle to the next day…), however careless behavior can put you at a higher risk of crime. Follow this advice to make sure that your great night out is also a safe night out.

Before Going Out:

Plan your evening before you go, preferably pre-booking a taxi for your return journey.

Take a look at the TOUCH booklet work out the consequences before deciding your next move:- Click Here

Whilst Out:

1. Go out in a group, stay in a group and return in a group.
2. Try to have someone in the group that stays sober to make sure that everyone else is safe.
3. Avoid mixing your drinks, and try to break up the evening with water (this will do wonders to help you avoid getting a hangover).

Getting Back:

If you decide to leave early make sure you let someone know and try to avoid leaving anyone to get home on their own.

Do not walk home alone – if you have to walk home in a group, stick to the main roads as much as possible, and avoid the short cuts and dimly lit areas.

If traveling by bus: sit close to the driver if you are feeling vulnerable or in view of the CCTV where it is present, and check service times before leaving to avoid waiting at bus-stops for long periods.

If traveling by train: choose to sit carriages with and near to other people.

Safer Homes

A student house or flat often contains many more possessions than an average family home with several occupants often having a TV, computer, stereo (and so on) each. As a result student houses are very desirable for burglars. By following these steps you can make your property less of a target.

If you are living in Halls of Residence…

Close and lock windows and doors even if you’re only going out for a short time. About 90% of burglaries in halls of residence are through insecure windows or doors, and most of them occur during the evening when students have returned from lectures, and leave their rooms unlocked/windows open when they go out of their rooms for short periods of time (e.g. to go to the kitchen, bathroom or a mate’s room).

Don’t leave anything on display particularly if you live on the ground floor. Think of your room as a tempting shop window - when you leave your room hide/lock things away, or shut curtains/use net curtains. If your desk is next to the window, particularly avoid leaving items (e.g. laptops) lying on the desk when you go out of the room: if someone can put their hand into the room they can grab it!

If you are living in the private rented sector…

1. Don’t leave anything on display – particularly anything that can be seen from outside the house. Ask your landlord if you or they can put up net curtains particularly on the ground floor windows – but do wash them from time to time!
2. If you have a side alleyway make sure that it is fitted with a secure locking gate, which cannot be climbed over. Ensure, though, that everyone that needs a key to use the gate has one in case you need to escape from fire.
3. If you have a burglar alarm remember to set it when you go out.
4. Get some timer switches to use on radios and lights, this will make it appear that you are in when you are not (at least two per household). You can get these from most DIY or electrical shops.
5. Get to know the neighbors, particularly if they are full time residents, because if you are on good terms with them they are likely to look to out for your property whilst you are away during the vacation periods.

No matter where you are living…

1. Ensure that you have suitable insurance.
2. Take your valuables home during vacation periods. During term times most burglaries are committed through insecure doors and windows, and a burglar will prefer to use this method of entry as it is both quiet and quick. During the vacation, however, they are more prepared to use force to gain entry as there are very few people around to see or hear them.
3. Remember that you can replace possessions but how do you replace your dissertation? Make sure that your coursework is backed up and stored separately to your computer.
4. Use an UV pen to mark your property with your postcode. We advise that you use a permanent residence (e.g. family home address) rather than a university residence as this may change quite frequently. Alternatively you can write the name of your university along with your student ID number.

Safer Phones

1. Record your IMEI number - this is recorded behind the battery in your handset or can be brought up on screen by pressing *#06#. The number on the screen should match the number behind the battery.
2. Record make, model and network details and a description of the phone.
3. Register the phone on the property database, www.immobilise.com (external link).
4. If the phone is stolen, ring 08701 123 123 to get it blocked within the UK on all the mobile networks.

Safer Cycles

The University’s Security Team together with the University’s Bicycle User Group (BUG) (www.uclan.ac.uk/bug) is keen to reduce bicycle thefts on campus.

The vast majority of bikes stolen from universities have been locked with chains or combination locks that are easy to cut through with bolt croppers.

Use at least one, but preferably two ‘Sold Secure’ D locks. Always lock your bike, through the frame, to a solid structure that is fixed to the ground. Make sure that your D-Lock passes through the rear wheel, the frame and then around the secure object to which you are locking your cycle. Then use your second lock to secure the front wheel to a secure immovable object or to the rear wheel and frame. If you have quick release wheels (front wheels especially), make sure that you either remove them and lock them to the frame and back wheel or make sure that a second lock secures that wheel to a solid and immovable object.

If you can, lock the bike in well lit areas with lots of pedestrian traffic, and preferably also in view of CCTV.

Take your bike home with you during vacation times.

Forgotten your lock? There are two bicycle maintenance kits on campus at Vernon and Maudland receptions. These free-to-use kits for members of the University BUG contain D-Locks as well other equipment and tools should you need to carry out small repairs on your bike whilst on campus.

Get your bike postcode stamped and registered for free at the Security Lodge, Join BUG to receive any cycling security updates.

TO HELP SECURITY STAFF/STUDENTS MUST REPORT ANY SUSPICIONS/CONCERNS/INCIDENTS IMMEDIATELY
DON'T BECOME A VICTIM