In an ideal world we should, within reason, all be free to go where we want when we want. Unfortunately in the 21st century this is not always the case and all members of the community have to make every effort to minimise the risk to themselves and others.

Surrey is one of the safest counties in England in which to live and work. Commenting on the crime figures for last year, Surrey Police Assistant Chief Constable Mark Rowley, said:

“Surrey continues to maintain a level of crime per head of population that is 40% below the national average. Surrey remains one of the safest forces in England and Wales for all of the major crime categories of burglary, vehicle crime and violent crime. '

The following advice is provided to assist in your personal safety and minimising any risk.

• Top Tips
  
  • If you think you are being followed
  • When out alone at night
  • If you are threatened
  • Using public transport
  • Room security
  • Useful links

Top Tips

• Always try to avoid walking alone during the hours of darkness.
• Try to plan your journey and to keep others informed of the time you normally arrive home or if you are delayed etc.
• Try to identify the safest route especially during the hours of darkness, using well lit main routes etc., even if this does add distance to your destination.
• Avoid taking short cuts along dark alleys, parks or wasteland.
• Always try to be alert. Avoid using personal stereos listening to music via walkman's or other sources as this could prevent your noticing something untoward.
• When walking along the street always keep to the middle of the pavement away from car doors and hedges. Always try to walk on the side of the road facing the traffic in order that you can see any approaching vehicle.
• Wear sensible clothing and keep long hair tied back.
• Carry a personal attack alarm available at your Students' Union or D.I.Y Stores. Carry your alarm in your hand or secure to your person ensuring the cord is easily accessible / operable.
• Do not hitch hike or accept lifts from strangers
• If available try to use transport provided by the College or the Students' Union.
• Keep items of value such as mobile phones or lap top computers concealed or not obvious.
• Cover up expensive jewellery
• Keep the College 24 hour telephone number (01784 443063) on your mobile phone directory.

If you think you are being followed:

• Cross over the road, if you are followed cross back again.
• If you are still concerned go to the nearest public place, a shop, pub or house with lights on and call the police on 999.
• Do not use enclosed pay phones, in which you could be trapped.
• If someone tries to grab your possessions, do not resist. Try to get a good look at them then call the police giving your location, the description and the direction the assailant went off in.

When out alone at night:

• Always try to keep some cash on you in case you need to get a taxi.
• Keep the number of a reliable taxi company with you.
• Always sit behind the driver.
• When the taxi arrives, always check it is the one you have booked and not an un -licensed cab or individual touting for business.
• If in doubt DO NOT get into a vehicle.

If you are threatened:

• Set off your personal alarm if you have one.
• Make as much noise as you can by shouting or screaming.
• Try to get away as quickly as possible, going to a place of safety such as a shop, pub or friend's house.
• Having retreated to a place of safety, ring the Police or College Security. Don't set out again until you have made arrangements to get home or back to your hall of residence safely.
• If a vehicle is involved try to identify the colour and make a note the registration number.

Using Public Transport:

• Try to avoid waiting at isolated bus stops.
• When using a bus or coach sit as close as possible to the driver.
• When using the train or tube, try to avoid using an empty compartment.
• Do not leave your property such as a handbag loose on your lap or on the seat next to you.

Room Security:

• Always lock your door and secure your window by the lever handle when you vacate your room, even if you are only away for a short time.
• If the contents of your room are visible, draw your curtains when you vacate your room.
• Protect items of value by having them security marked.
• Where possible, secure LapTop computers with a cable or security enclosure.
• Do not allow other people to enter into a Hall who do not have their own swipe-cards, either by letting them follow you or by wedging self-closing locking doors open, and do not give your keys or access cards to anyone else.
• Report anything suspicious to College Security (01784 443063).

Useful Links

This and other useful personal safety information can be found on the Home Office website for students, Good2bsecure, and within the College's Safe & Secure @ rhul Booklet. There is also some useful information about Safer Surrey on the Surrey Police website. Also see the Student Handbook Homepage.

Issued by Royal Holloway's Security Office and Student Support Office