STAY SAFE

A guide to personal safety uel.ac.uk

Studying at UEL and living in London can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have, and London is generally considered as safe as any large city around the world.

However, it makes sense to be aware of the potential threats you may face and to know how to be safe. Remind yourself of this advice when you go out, and use your common sense to avoid becoming a victim of crime. London is an exciting place and we want you to enjoy good experiences whilst living here.

How to keep safe when you are out:

- plan where you are going and how you will get there

- if you can, tell someone where you are going and when you will be back

- if you have one, take a personal attack alarm with you; keep it where you can find it easily and make sure you know how to use it

- keep to well-lit streets where possible

- if you can, go out with friends or someone you know

- keep your bag with you at all times

- wear your handbag across your body or under your coat

- do not get into a car with someone you don’t know

Be aware and keep your possessions safe:

- thieves frequently operate at tube stations, cash machines, in car parks, around bus stations and in overcrowded areas, especially during busy times

- keep your money, mobile phone and keys in a safe place like your bag or pocket so they don’t get stolen

- take some money if you need to make a call from a public phone

Although you should take a mobile phone with you if you have one to make a call, you can reduce the risk of mobile phone theft by following these simple tips:

- don’t leave your phone on tables in pubs or restaurants

- when you leave a train or tube station don’t use your phone immediately – wait it a while

- don’t walk and text at the same time, as you will be less aware of what is happening around you

- keep calls in public places as brief as possible; the longer you talk, the more likely you are to be spotted by a potential thief

- don’t make your mobile phone a moving target, or tempt mobile phone thieves – be aware when making a call

Safety in halls of residence:

For students living on campus, we recommend that you:

- do not let anyone enter the building after you (tailgate) through the main front door – they should use their own access ID card to swipe in to the building

- always lock your bedroom door when you are not in your room and don’t wedge any doors in halls open

- close your windows whenever you are not in your room

- keep your keys and ID with you at all times and don’t give your bedroom keys to anyone else

If you see anything suspicious, call Security (extension 5599 from your bedroom phone) or leave an anonymous message on the Silent Witness Number (020 8223 5799).

How to keep safe at a cash machine:

- be careful when using the cash machine – make sure no one is standing too close to you

- if you can, use a cash machine during the day; at night, use one in a brightly lit area or one inside the bank

- only take out enough money for what you need

- keep some money in your wallet or purse and some in your pocket

- do not show or give your PIN to anyone; try to remember your PIN and do not write it down.