Student Wellbeing Services

General Welfare Support

Menu

• SBS Homepage

General / Welfare

• Homepage
• Advice
• Absence (Academic)
• Car Parking
• Complaints & Appeals
• Confidentiality
• Counselling
• Data Protection
• Discipline / Wellbeing
• Mature students
• Safety
• Students with Families
• Time Out (Intercalation)
• U/G Withdrawal/Re-admission or Transfer 2012/13
• P/G Withdrawal
• University Policy
• Useful Websites

Student Safety

The University takes the safety and security of students seriously. Personal safety advice and information is delivered through student talks in freshers week and relevant student publications.

Safety On Campus

College reception lodges are staffed 24/7 during term time by a college porter, who is in radio contact with central security officers in the University reception building (no.32 on the campus map). For University security call 594541 or 444. The campus has a dedicated police station with a campus Police Officer (P.C. Gary Wynne) and Police Community Support Officer (P.C.S.O. Andy Warner). In an emergency where fire crew, police, or an ambulence is required call 999.

You can help increase safety and security by following the advice below:-

10 tips in residences / flats

1. Always lock your door - no matter how short a time you leave your room.
2. In a ground floor room, protect your valuables by drawing curtains especially at night.
3. Ensure that your window is always closed when you are out.
4. If you can - lock valuables away or at least put them out of sight.
5. If you have a cycle, post code it and use securing loops which form a substantial deterrent. Remember to keep a description.
6. Report defects immediately to the Lodge.
7. Report strangers you are unsure about to Security immediately. DO NOT APPROACH - continue to watch.
8. Carry your Library Card - you may be required to produce it to Security.
9. Keep front doors locked at all times. NEVER prop it open. Do not open it for general callers.
10. Do not let strangers into Residences

Safety Off Campus

In 2011 of the 25 towns and cities outside London with two or more universities Lancaster was ranked 3rd safest in UK (Safest in UK for both Robbery and Burglary). If you're coming to the UK from another country the 2010 British Council publication, 'Creating Confidence' provides a useful overview and general information on experiences and perceptions of security issues in Britain.

Although Lancaster is a safe place you should still take precautions when visiting the town or especially if travelling to other parts of the UK.

10 tips when out and about

1. Don’t display valuables (e.g. wallets, mobiles, mp3 players etc) which may attract the attention of thieves.
2. If you don’t know the area you are visiting try to travel with someone who does or consider calling a taxi to get you places. If you decide to walk make sure the area is well lit and is not too remote.
3. Don't leave your bag, coat or laptop unattended in a public place, or carry large amount of cash with you.
4. Carry handbags close to you, or hidden under a coat if you have one, with the strap across your body rather than over one shoulder. Be aware of strangers who approach you in the street, they may use distracting questions to grab belongings.
5. Where possible avoid using a cash machine at night or when there is anyone standing close by. Be alert to anything unusual about the machine, in case of card 'cloning' equipment. Cash-back facilities in supermarkets can be a safer option.
6. Be aware of your drinks in pubs and clubs, so they are not ‘laced’.  If someone you don’t know offers to buy you a drink, either refuse it or see it being opened/poured before being given straight to you.
7. Keep a separate record of any phone numbers you’ll need to cancel your cards if they are stolen.
8. Get a personal safety alarm from LUSU, carry it and keep it easily accessible, or in your hand, if you feel at risk.
9. Make travels plan and let someone know them - if you are using public transport, always check the times of the last train, tube or buses.
10. Report all incidents to the police (999 emergency or 101 non-emergency) or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you don't report incidents nothing can be done to target or apprehend offenders.

Other useful websites

Suzy Lamplugh Trust - www.suzylamplugh.org/personal-safety/personal-safety-tips/student-safety/
Lancaster City Council - www.lancaster.gov.uk/environmental-health/health-and-safety/student-safety/
Lancashire Police - http://www.lancashire.police.uk/
Cumbria Police – Student Safety – www.cumbria.police.uk/advice-and-information/personal-safety/students/student-safety
NUS “The Lock” campaign - www.nus.org.uk/en/campaigns/the-lock/
UK (Police Recorded) Street level crime by postcode www.police.uk/
Direct Gov – Safety and Security for Students
Victim Support – Help and advice for victims of crime - www.victimsupport.org/