1. Security and Safety Advice and Guidance
E&FMS Security Department
Head of Security
Security and Safety Advice and Guidance

2. 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 .

3. Middlesex University Security Team For further advice contact:
Nick Wise, Head of Security
Jamie Steed, Security Systems Manager
Itai Sher, ICTS Security Contract Manager
John Pollitt, ICTS Security Operations Manager

4. 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

5. Top Safety Tips
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!
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
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!
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
Keep cards and chequebooks separate - note down your card details so you can cancel them quickly
Always lock your car and put valuables out of sight - never leave the keys in the ignition even when paying for petrol
After a night out, arrange to go home with friends, or licensed mini cab or taxi
To prevent spiking, never leave drinks unattended
Be vigilant when using your mobile phone - if your phone is stolen, call your network or to immobilise it
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
Students mark your property with the initials of Middlesex University and your student ID number (e.g.. MU ) 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.

6. 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.

7. Fire Safety while on Campus and in halls
If 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.

8. 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 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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!

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. Illegal Drugs Just Say No 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
Just Say No

17. 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!

18. 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

19. 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

20. Support Contact Information
Aids Helpline
Alcoholics Anonymous
British Pregnancy Advisory (abortions)
Crimestoppers
Dyslexia Helpline
Eating Disorders Advice
Frank (drugs)
Hospital – Barnet General
Hospital – Chase Farm
Hospital – North Middlesex
Hospital – Royal Free
Hospital – St. Ann’s
Hospital - Whittington
London Nightline
NHS Direct
Parentline
Rape helpline (answered by women)
Rape helpline (answered by men)
Samaritans
Saneline (mental health)
Suzy Lamplugh Trust
Victim Support

21. Useful Contact Numbers
AA breakdown – emergency (landline)
AA breakdown – (mobiles)
Air Travel
Airports - Heathrow
Airports - Stansted
Airports – Luton
Airports - Gatwick
Airports – London City
CabWise
60835 (text)
TEXT: HOME to 60835
Embassies based in London
Eurostar
Get Connected (student advice)
Lost Cards – Abbey National
Lost Cards – Alliance & Leicester
Lost Cards – Barclays
Lost Cards – Halifax
Lost Cards – HSBC
Lost Cards – Lloyds TSB
Lost Cards – Nationwide
Lost Cards – Natwest
Lost Cards – RBS
London Transport
Lost Phone – 3
Lost Phone – O2 contract
Lost Phone – O2 pre-pay
Lost Phone – Orange contract
Lost Phone – Orange pre-pay
Lost Phone – T-Mobile
Lost Phone – Virgin
Lost Phone – Vodafone contract
Lost Phone – Vodafone prepay
National Express
National Rail Enquiries
Passport Information UK

22. 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
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, (based within the Quadrangle)
Trent Park, (based within the Jebb Building)

23. 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
We are here to help