Security and Safety Advice and Guidance

E&FMS Security Department

Head of Security

Introduction

The Home office has reported that students own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population. The Home office has also mentioned that it is believed that between 1 in 3 students may become a victim of a crime each year and in general young people (16 – 24 years) are more vulnerable.

We do not want you to be a victim of crime and by raising your awareness and following these simple guidelines we can make sure that you enjoy living and studying in London safely.

For further safety advice or to obtain further information regarding crime statistics please visit the website below or make contact with a member of the University Estates & Facilities Management Services security team .

• http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims/how-you-can-prevent-crime/student-safety/

Middlesex University Security Team

For further advice contact:

• Nick Wise, Head of Security Nick10@mdx.ac.uk

• Jamie Steed, Security Systems Manager Jamie2@mdx.ac.uk

• Itai Sher, ICTS Security Contract Manager I.Sher@mdx.ac.uk

• John Pollitt, ICTS Security Operations Manager J.Pollitt@mdx.ac.uk

Topics Covered

• Top safety tips

• Electrical and Fire Safety

• Fire safety (Campus, halls, private residence)

• Robbery and Theft

• Burglary

• Withdrawing Cash

• Out at Night

• Drink Spiking

• Public Transport

• Cabs

• Disease and Illness

• Illegal drugs

• Vigilance

• Road Safety

• Emergencies

• Support contact numbers

• Useful contact numbers

• Middlesex University security Contacts

Top Safety Tips1. Many burglaries happen when a door or window has been left open (it takes a second) –

whether in an office, halls or house/flat lock up!

2. In a hall of residence, be careful who you let in or who follows you into the building - lock your bedroom door even if you are only going down the corridor

3. Robbers are after an easy target - walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay over with friends, your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!

4. If possible, use cash-machines during the day - put your card and cash away and be vigilant - never write down or disclose your PIN number

5. Keep cards and chequebooks separate - note down your card details so you can cancel them quickly

6. Always lock your car and put valuables out of sight - never leave the keys in the ignition even when paying for petrol

7. After a night out, arrange to go home with friends, or licensed mini cab or taxi

8. To prevent spiking, never leave drinks unattended

9. Be vigilant when using your mobile phone - if your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it

10. Protect yourself with insurance - keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen

11. Students mark your property with the initials of Middlesex University and your student ID number (e.g.. MU 000777777) this makes it harder for a burglar to sell stolen goods and can help the police to return items to you. Staff should mark items with their initials and post code.

Electrical & Fire safety in Rooms

 Dangerous electrical appliances or damaged sockets can cause fire or serious injury.

What are the warning signs – unsafe electrical appliances?

 

• Check for broken plug sockets

• Check for exposed wiring

• Check for loose Switches

• Check for sparks or smoke from electrical appliances

• If the appliance, plug or cables feel hot or smell – then turn off and unplug

• Fuses that continually blow think! There must a cause, do not use

• Plugs that get hot when used, do not use obtain advice

• Don’t overloading plug sockets

• Use portable heaters in a safe way, keep away from inflammable material

 

Do’s and Don’ts – Fire safety in rooms!

 

• Do not Smoke in bed

• 20% of fires are caused by candles. Don’t use candles in rooms, if you do then it could lead to your eviction from Halls

• Do not tamper with smoke alarms (including covering them up)

• 60% of fires start in the kitchen – do not prop the door open. Do not use portable cooking appliances in rooms

• Do not leave irons on when not in room

• Do not leave frying pans (hot oil) unattended at anytime

• Do not store or use gas canisters in rooms

If in doubt about an electrical items do not use it, seek advice.

Fire Safety while on Campus and in hallsIf you discover a fire, raise the alarm at once by:

• Sounding the nearest fire alarm (break glass call point)

• Leave the building immediately and report to the duty officer or security when outside

On hearing the fire alarm

• Leave the building quickly and calmly by the nearest exit

• Do not stop to collect personal belongings

• Do not use lifts

• If an exit is found blocked use an alternative route

• When clear of the building report to your assembly point

• Do not obstruct access points. Routes must be kept clear for emergency vehicles/personnel

• Do not re-enter buildings until duty officer/senior fire officer gives all clear

• It is an offence for improper use of a break glass. Any person found smashing a break glass for fun/to panic or cause distress will be identified and details passed to the police. Every false activation means the emergency services are called away from a situation that could be life threatening.

• Do not be afraid to use the break glass call point if you see or suspect there to be a fire within a building

Further advice

• Know your assembly points

• Check your smoke detectors (do not cover them)

• Ensure your friends/visitors are aware of evacuation plans, assembly areas etc.

Robbery and Theft

• Keep your personal belongings with you

• Do not display valuables

• Do not count money in public

• Do not use maps in public specially in the city

• Keep personal details private, i.e. pin numbers, passwords

• Be aware of your surroundings

• Plan routes/transport in advance

• If robbed, hand over items - don’t fight back

• Avoid using mobile phones alone in public places

• If your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it. Make a note of your serial number by dialling *#06#.

• Walk on the pavement towards traffic

• If you think you are being followed seek help at shops, petrol stations, somewhere open to the public

Burglary

• Double check you have locked up properly• Avoid letting in strangers; always check identification cards, if

in doubt phone their headquarters. If they are legitimate they will not object to waiting while you do so

• Keep your mobile in your bedroom at night• Don't leave car or house keys near windows or letter boxes• If possible use a timer for lights when not at home• Close curtains/blinds when out of the house/flat/halls room or

office• Office staff use a clear desk policy• Houses/flats purchase alarms, security lighting• Windows /patio doors add extra locks• Keep to hand a record of valuables and their

descriptions/serial numbers• Join and encourage others to join a neighbourhood watch

scheme

Using your Cash Card

• Be vigilant of your surroundings

• Keep details private; never divulge passwords or card pin numbers (cover keypad when entering details

• Check for hidden devices on cash machines

• Do not get distracted when using your card

• Avoid taking large amounts out of a machine in one go

• Use your card during the day rather than at night

• Keep a record of when you use your card, how much, when and where

• Check your statements properly

• Do not let your card out of sight when using it in shops, restaurants even petrol stations

• Always cross shred any statements, bills, bank cards anything where your personal information can be obtained

Out at Night

• Plan your route there and back

• Avoid travelling alone

• Keep in well lit areas

• Plan and keep to meeting arrangements

• Remain with your friends, check on each other

• Only use licensed mini cabs or taxis

• Never leave drinks unattended

• Never accept drinks from strangers

• Do not bring strangers back to the halls or your house/flat

• Attempt to ensure someone knows where you are going and expected time home

Drink Spiking

• These tips are not just for women

• Appoint a drinks watcher

• Never leave your drink unattended

• If for whatever reason you have to leave your drink unattended, do not go back to it

• Do not accept drinks from strangers

• Drugs can be tasteless and odourless and takes less than a second to be put into your drink

• Watch out for each other

• If your drink tastes different throw away

• If you start to feel ill, inform your friends or an appropriate person

• If a friend becomes ill for whatever reason do not allow them to make their own way home, look out for another, take them home!

Public Transport

• Always pre-plan your route

• Avoid waiting alone

• Always sit downstairs near to the driver when travelling on a bus alone

• Avoid getting on empty tube /train carriages

• Keep your belongings in view at all times

• If you find a situation starting to occur make contact with the driver (bus) pull the emergency handle on the tube or train

• When using the night bus, attempt to travel with friends rather than alone, always sit downstairs

• Try not to fall asleep when you use London transport, taxi or cab when travelling alone day or night

Cabs• Always use only licensed mini cabs/ black taxi’s

• Keep a cab number on you

• When booking a cab or taxi always obtain an estimate and remember who you spoke to, ensure you have enough funds to pay before starting the journey

• Ensure a friend or relative are aware of your estimated time of arrival, ring them when in the cab if you can.

• Check driver’s ID before you get into a cab if you feel unsure about him/her don’t get in.

• Sit directly behind the driver if your alone, remain alert, watch your route/traffic signs

• Ask driver to wait until you are inside before he/she leaves the area

Disease and Illness

• Don’t use Illegal drugs

• Avoid handling syringes or needles

• Avoid taking unknown substances

• If you feel stressed, can’t cope, seek help from a councillor (Middlesex can help you to do this)

• Check food and drink sell by dates

• Follow instructions for re-heating food, if unsure throw away

• If you are unwell i.e. cold/flu, remain at home, take plenty of fluids, contact your GP. Don’t come in to University spreading the germ. Ensure friends, lecturer are aware

• Set up a flu friend (when one gets sick the other supports) buddy buddy system

• Always practice safe sex

Illegal Drugs

• Drugs mess up your mind

• Drugs mess up your body

• Drugs are a waste of money

• Drugs are addictive

• Drugs can kill you

• Drugs pay for other criminal activity

There is a zero tolerance policy on drugs on university or halls premises

Are these not enough reasons? Visit the site below and read for yourself what drugs actually do to you

• http://www.saynotodrugs.org.uk/Drug-Facts

Just Say No

Vigilance

• Do not touch suspect packages, ensure you inform a responsible person i.e. bus driver, security, caretakers, police

• Report anything you notice such as, type of package, bag, its location, and at what time you noticed it, whether anyone was in the area and their description

• Suspicious person. As with packages same information may be helpful to police or security

• Remember: You have noticed something for a reason!

Road Safety

• Cross at a safe place

• Be vigilant for road signs and road works

• Keep to pavements and footpaths

• Try to walk on pavement towards oncoming traffic

• Be vigilant, remember a driver may not be aware of you!

• Check! And double check both ways before crossing, watch out for cyclists and motorbike riders

• Just because a road may be marked as one way does not mean a vehicle may follow this rule! Look both ways before crossing

Emergencies

• In emergency call 999

• Police, ambulance, fire brigade & coastguard

• Do not call if unnecessary

• Prank callers will be prosecuted

• Keep calm when talking to the operator

• Answer operator’s questions in a calm voice, the more information you can give the better the response

• If you don’t know the address of the incident look for landmarks, such as tube/train stations, petrol stations, pubs, schools, shops, churches etc

• For non emergencies

• contact your local police station. Security on campus have local contact details, or report the crime via the net https://online.met.police.uk

Aids Helpline 0800 567 123 www.nat.org.uk

Alcoholics Anonymous 0845 769 7555 www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

British Pregnancy Advisory (abortions) 0845 730 40 30 www.bpas.org

Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Dyslexia Helpline 0845 251 9002 www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Eating Disorders Advice 0845 634 1414 www.b-eat.co.uk/Home

Frank (drugs) 0800 77 66 00 www.talktofrank.com

Hospital – Barnet General 0208 216 4924

Hospital – Chase Farm 0208 375 2378

Hospital – North Middlesex 0208 887 2000

Hospital – Royal Free 0207 794 0500

Hospital – St. Ann’s 02 8 442 6000

Hospital - Whittington 0207 272 3070

London Nightline 0207 631 0101 www.nightline.org.uk

NHS Direct 0845 4647 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Parentline 0808 800 2222 www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Rape helpline (answered by women) 0808 800 0123 www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk

Rape helpline (answered by men) 0808 800 0122 www.rapeandabuseline.co.uk

Samaritans 0845 790 9090 www.samaritans.org.uk

Saneline (mental health) 0207 375 1002 www.sane.org.uk

Suzy Lamplugh Trust 0207 091 0014 www.suzylamplugh.org

Victim Support 0845 303 0900 www.victimsupport.org

Support Contact Information

Useful Contact Numbers

AA breakdown – emergency (landline) 0800 887 7 66 www.theaa.com AA breakdown – (mobiles) 0845 788 7766 www.theaa.com Air Travel www.airtravel.about.comAirports - Heathrow 0844 335 1801 www.heathrowairport.comAirports - Stansted 0844 335 1803 www.stanstedairport.comAirports – Luton 0158 240 5100 www.london-luton.co.ukAirports - Gatwick 0844 335 1802 www.gatwickairport.comAirports – London City 0207 646 0088 www.londoncityairport.comCabWise 60835 (text) TEXT: HOME to 60835Embassies based in London http://www.embassyhomepage.com/Eurostar 0870 518 6186 www.eurostar.comGet Connected (student advice) 0808 808 4994 www.getconnected.org.ukLost Cards – Abbey National 0845 972 4 724Lost Cards – Alliance & Leicester 0500 313 233Lost Cards – Barclays 0160 423 0 230Lost Cards – Halifax 0845 720 30 99Lost Cards – HSBC 0845 6 00 7 010Lost Cards – Lloyds TSB 0800 096 9779Lost Cards – Nationwide 0845 730 2010Lost Cards – Natwest 0870 600 0459Lost Cards – RBS 0870 513 3550London Transport 0207 222 1234 www.tfl.gov.ukLost Phone – 3 0778 233 3333 Lost Phone – 3 Lost Phone – O2 contract 0870 521 4 000 Lost Phone – O2 contractLost Phone – O2 pre-pay 0870 567 8 678 Lost Phone – O2 pre-payLost Phone – Orange contract 0797 310 0150 Lost Phone – Orange contractLost Phone – Orange pre-pay 0797 310 0 451 Lost Phone – Orange pre-payLost Phone – T-Mobile 0845 412 5000 Lost Phone – T-MobileLost Phone – Virgin 0845 600 0789 Lost Phone – VirginLost Phone – Vodafone contract 0783 619 1191 Lost Phone – Vodafone contractLost Phone – Vodafone prepay 0870 077 6655 Lost Phone – Vodafone prepayNational Express 0870 580 8080 www.nationalexpress.comNational Rail Enquiries 0845 748 4950 www.nationalrail.co.ukPassport Information UK 0906 633 3190 www.ukpassportadvisor.com

Middlesex University Security Contacts

To report a crime / suspicious activity on campus or any other type of emergency contact the University’s

• Campuswatch 24hr control room 0208 411 6200

For non emergency situations including safety or general advice about the campus you can contact security based on each campus via the numbers below;

• Hendon, 0208 411 4329 (based within the Quadrangle)

• Trent Park, 0208 411 6171 (based within the Jebb Building)

We hope you Enjoy your time at Middlesex University

Always remember that your safety is paramount

If you require help/assistance or just advice make contact with us, your University Security Team