Stay Safe at University
All big cities suffer their share of street crime and Greater Manchester is no exception. Cheshire based students may live in a smaller town than Manchester but street crime can happen anywhere so read on and help keep yourself safe.
The good news is that these incidents are less frequent than most people think.
Attacks and muggings can potentially happen to anyone, at any time, but if you are aware of the risks there are simple ways of reducing the chances of becoming a victim of crime. Recently there was an incident in Fallowfield where a man had watched a student enter her house alone and had banged on the door claiming to be police. It could have been quite a serious incident, if her flatmates hadn't come back in time.
Remember to always lock your door, put the chain on and if possible look through the spy hole. Never put yourself in the position of opening the door to a stranger. This is a rare incident and is not meant to scare you, it is simply a reminder to stay safe.
WISE UP AND REDUCE THE RISKS
Property
Consider security coding your property especially mobile phones and bikes ‘invisibly’ using U.V pens available from most stationary stores. Write your post code and your house number on your property, but remember this can fade and will need renewing
• Always carry purses and wallets in inside pockets
• Do you need to carry a handbag? If you do, it should be carried across
the shoulder with the flap against you.
Halls of Residence: why not carry a torch and attack alarm?
• Never leave your room unlocked, even when you are just making a brew
• Always close windows when you’re going out. Low level windows should be
fitted with locks or limiters
• Always close and lock the main entrance doors to the residence behind you
• Never hold doors open for people you don’t know
• Always report any suspicious incidents to University security
Private Accommodation: check out the security of the accommodation before signing an agreement.
• Doors and windows should conform to British standards
• Back and side paths should be fitted with gates
• Windows should be fitted with locks-if vulnerable they may be fitted with grilles
or bars but make sure they do not cut off fire escape routes.
Out and about:
• Plan you route carefully, especially at night. Check the time of your last buses.
• Try to keep to busy well lit areas, don’t take short cuts, avoid car parks,alleyways
and back streets. Get to know the area in daylight
• Walk purposefully, try not to walk alone
• Remember to conceal watches, jewellery and mobile phones
• Carry a personal attack alarm and use it in an emergency (available from the
Students’ Union.)
• If you think you are being followed cross the road and head towards a busier place
such as a shop, where you can ask for help.
• Never accept lifts from strangers
• On public transport it is usually safer to stay closer to the driver.
• By law, private hire taxis have to be pre-booked, and cannot pick up passing
trade. Only black cabs are allowed to carry passengers who have flagged them
down.
If you have a car:
- Lock all doors when entering or leaving especially when stationary at traffic lights.
- Park in well lit areas
- Remember to keep valuables out of sight
- Think before you stop to help other drivers and pedestrians. It may be safer
to report the incident by telephone.
- Never pick up hitch hikers
- Ensure your car is mechanically sound and has enough petrol to get you home
- Consider joining a breakdown organisation
- Carry a local A-Z so you don’t need to ask directions
Cash and bank cards:
- Avoid using cash dispensers late at night and consider reducing the cash withdrawal
limit on cards
- Carry only the money you need, making sure you have enough to get you home
- Always keep cheque books and cards separately
Tips:
- Never wear a personal stereo when walking - you will not be able to hear what is
going on around you.
- If you are going out alone tell someone where you are going and when you expect
to return
- Don’t be fooled by people asking you for a light or for change
- Walk facing traffic so cars cannot pull up behind you unnoticed
- Distance yourself from bushes and buildings, which create hiding places
- Avoid confrontations with drunks or gangs
- Never carry an offensive weapon. You could be arrested for doing so, and an
attacker could use it against you.
In the unlikely event of an attack:
If someone does try to mug or rob you:-
- Try to remain calm and remember all the details
- Remember it's better to lose property than risk injury
- Always consider setting off your personal attack alarm
- Always report the incident as soon as possible to the police
Useful phone numbers:
Police emergency - 999
Police non emergency (Manchester) - 0161 872 5050
Police non emergency (Cheshire) - 0845 458 0000
Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111
Victim Support - 0161 448 2848