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

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 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 08701 123 123 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 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 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.

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 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 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

Support Contact Information 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 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

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