Bank & Credit Cards

PERSONAL SAFETY

Bank & Credit Cards

·  Keep your cheque book and bank guarantee card in separate places.

·  Sign your credit and bank cards immediately upon receiving them.

·  Keep your pin number to yourself, don't write it down.

·  Keep your card, 'lost and found' contact number handy

Withdrawing money from a cash machine

·  Do not ask anyone to use your card on your behalf.

·  Try to go in daylight hours.

·  Go with a friend if possible.

·  Look around before inserting your card.

·  Do not count your money in full view of strangers.

·  Report any theft or loss immediately to your bank and the police.

If you become a victim of card theft or fraud you must report to your bank immediately.

PERSONAL SAFETY – PUBLIC TRANSPORT & TAXIS

·  Use known taxi or student transport.

·  Avoid isolated bus stops; walk to a stop that is well lit or less lonely.

·  Carry a personal attack alarm in your hand or on your belt not at the bottom of your handbag or brief case.

·  Sit as close to the driver as possible, particularly on an empty bus.

·  If you use a taxi service regularly keep the number handy and use the same firm each time.

·  Always book taxis in advance and ask if they have any woman drivers if you are a lone woman travelling.

·  When arriving home ask the driver if he will wait until you are in the house, they shouldn’t mind.

PERSONAL SAFETY – WHILST OUT DRIVING

·  Check your car is vacant before entering.

·  Ensure you have enough fuel for the journey.

·  Fit a reputable car alarm or immobiliser.

·  Keep vehicle doors locked whilst travelling.

·  Do not leave briefcases or handbags etc on the front passenger seat. Lock them in the boot or put them under your own seat.

·  Consider carefully where you are parking your car with regards to adequate lighting and any visible signs of previous car crime e.g. piles of broken glass at the road side. Preferably park in a supervised car park.

·  Never leave any valuables in your vehicle, take them with you or lock them away in the boot.

·  Items such as satellite navigation systems are particularly attractive to thieves, ensure you remove any visible signs of their use when you leave the car, including wiping any marks from the windscreen, and take the satellite navigation away with you when you leave the car.

·  Never pick up hitch hikers.

PROTECT YOUR POSSESSIONS

·  Do not leave your bag, wallet or purse unattended.

·  Report any theft or loss immediately to the University Security Services.

·  Close any ground floor windows.

·  Use an Automatic Timer on a light to make the room appear occupied when you are not there.

·  Never leave cash or valuables, such as computers, in open view.

·  Make a list of all your property including serial numbers.

·  Obtain insurance cover for your valuables.

·  Mark all your personal possessions with your home postcode and your house number using an ultra violet marker, and ensure that all University property within your area of responsibility is properly security marked. This can be done through the University Crime Prevention Office.

·  Make a note of the security number of your mobile phone. This can be found by dialling *#06#, your phone will then display your 15 digit security number.

·  Try not to use your mobile phone in clear view when walking in public.

·  Always lock laptop computers away overnight or when not in use.

·  Avoid keeping large sums of money in offices - bank cash on a regular basis.

·  Always lock office doors when you leave, even if you only intend to be away for a short time.

AT YOUR SHARED PLACE OF RESIDENCE

·  Never leave your room unlocked even to go to the bathroom.

·  Don't leave your keys in the door or lying around.

·  Never let anyone who is not known to you through the main entrance door.

·  Always close and lock the entrance door behind you. If visitors wish to gain entry, ask them to stay outside while you find the person they wish to see.

PERSONAL SAFETY
Violent and sexual attacks on students are thankfully rare and, statistically, the chances of being attacked are low.
However, a few attacks on students do occur every year, so it is important to be aware of this, and to take sensible precautions.
Take a few minutes to read the following advice, much of which you will probably already be aware. If the unthinkable does happen, then at least you will be prepared as to what you can do to help yourself.

PERSONAL SAFETY – OUT & ABOUT

·  Plan your journey in advance and avoid giving the impression that you do not know where you are going.

·  Valuables, such as wallets, should be kept in an inside pocket and secured, or use a body belt. Try to keep both hands free.

·  A shoulder bag should be worn with the straps over the shoulder and kept close to your body under your arm with the fastenings inner most.

·  Don't accept lifts from anyone you don't know and trust.

·  Try not to be out alone, particularly at night.

·  Walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid kerb crawlers, if you have to walk in the same direction as the traffic and a driver stops, simply turn and walk the other way. You can turn around faster than a car. Note the registration number if possible.

·  Prearrange to go home with a friend.

·  Always have some money in case you need to get a taxi:

Ø  Keep the number of a reliable taxi firm on you.

Ø  Always sit behind the driver’s seat.

Ø  When the taxi arrives check it's the one you ordered and avoid getting into taxi's which are touting for business. If in doubt then don't get in.

·  If you do have to travel alone on public transport:

Ø  Try to stay away from isolated bus stops.

Ø  On a bus, sit near to the driver.

Ø  On a train, take a compartment where there are several other people.

·  Avoid taking shortcuts through dark alleys, parks or wasteland.

·  Hyde Park is a popular short cut. If you are alone, particularly at night, then you should avoid using this route.

·  Get a personal attack alarm

Ø  They are available from the Students' Union and Security Office.

Ø  Make sure it is of the type that continues to sound even if you drop it.

Ø  Carry it in your hand with the cord around your wrist.

·  If you regularly go jogging:

Ø  Vary your route and stick to main roads with pavements which are well-lit and busy with people who can see you.

Ø  Remember if you use a personal stereo, you are less aware of those around you and of traffic.

·  If you think you're being followed:

Ø  If you think you are being followed check by crossing the road and keep walking. If you are still being followed, make for the nearest busy area, an open shop or a well-lit house and, if necessary, ask for help.

Ø  If you are still worried, then get to the nearest public place, a shop, pub or anywhere with lights on and call the police on 999.

Ø  Avoid using an enclosed pay-phone, which you could be trapped in.

Ø  If someone attempts to steal something from you, don't resist. Your safety comes first. Whilst walking keep an attack alarm in your hand and be prepared to use it. A personal alarm set off next to an attacker’s head can leave them shocked and disorientated, giving you valuable time to get away from the situation. You can help by noting what the attacker looked like. Ring the police immediately, pass on their description and the direction they went off in.

·  Never hitch-hike or accept lifts from people you do not know.

·  If the worst happens and you are attacked,

Ø  Scream and shout, your voice is your best defence. Attackers if confronted by a loud shout or scream, may beat a hasty retreat. If you need help, shout a positive instruction, such as ‘Phone the Police!!!” People are more likely to react if they are given a positive call to action.

Ø  If you have one, set off your personal attack alarm.

Ø  Get away as quickly as possible.

Ø  Always ring the police immediately after getting away. Don't leave it until you get home.

Ø  It's a lot to ask, but if there is a vehicle involved try to make a mental note of the registration. Write it down as quickly as possible and hand it to the police on their arrival.

·  Driving

Ø  Make certain you have enough petrol and some money.

Ø  Keep the doors locked.

Ø  Avoid leaving bags, mobile phones etc on display within the car.

Ø  If someone tries to flag you down, drive on until you come to a service station, or somewhere busy and call the police.

Ø  Never pick up hitch-hikers.

Ø  Always take your Sat-Navigation out of your car. If you have to leave it behind, lock it away in the boot, with the Bluetooth switched off.

IF YOU HAVE BEEN ATTACKED

·  It is important that you contact the police immediately.

·  Try to remember the description of the offender and the direction in which he/she ran off.

·  If you feel unable to talk to the Police, talk to a friend or the Students Union Welfare Office. You can also contact Leeds Victim Support.

LEEDS VICTIM SUPPORT

This is a registered charity which provides emotional support, information and practical help to victims of crime regardless of race, colour or creed. They work closely with, but independently of, the Police and others to ensure that the needs of victims of crime are taken into account. Telephone: (0113) 2930199.
WHAT MEN CAN DO TO HELP

·  If you are walking in the same direction as a woman be aware of the effect you may have on her, walk on the other side and overtake her if possible.

·  Don't sit too close on a train or a bus and avoid staring.
Realise how threatening actions such as staring, whistling, passing comments and jostling can be, particularly when you are in a group.

Personal alarms now available at Students Union and the Security Control Centre.

BURGLARIES

During the holidays is when your property is most vulnerable - so pay particular attention to the security of your home at Christmas and Easter.

Student accommodation is targeted usually due to the fact that there will be more than one Television, Computer, Stereo, Cheque Book, Credit Card and Bank Card at the property.

REMEMBER to secure your windows and doors, a quarter of all burglaries are committed by way of insecure doors and windows.

AVOID BEING A VICTIM, FOLLOW THIS SIMPLE ADVICE:

·  Take anything valuable (computers, stereos, etc.) home with you during any holiday period.

·  If you're in a neighbourhood watch let your coordinator know you're going away. You can find out who that is by ringing your local police station at Weetwood on 0113 2413459.

·  If you know someone who is staying in Leeds over the holidays, try and leave any valuable items with them.

·  Keep valuable items away from windows and out of view.

·  Make a note of the Serial Number, Make and Model of all your electrical and other items.

·  Always keep all doors and windows locked when the house is empty. Don't assume one of your house-mates is still in when you go out - check.

·  Keep doors locked at night - don't assume someone else will do it.

·  Do NOT put room numbers or name on keys as they get lost.

·  Always keep a spare key somewhere safe near the door, in case you need to get out in an emergency.

·  Draw your curtains after dark.

·  Leave a light on when you go out at night.

·  Ask your landlord to fix any locks or improve security.

·  Ask the landlord to install an outside lightabove the front door.

·  Use time switches.

·  When you're looking to rent a place, look at the door and window locks and check there's a good level of security. Check if the individual rooms have locks on them.

·  Use any internal locks:

Ø  Especially if you're having a party.

Ø  Remember that your friend probably won’t steal from you, but his or her friend might.

·  If you hear an intruder enter your home at night and you haven’t a telephone, turn on the light and make a loud noise. Do NOT try to confront the intruder.

DISTRACTION BURGLARY

Distraction burglary is where the burglar or conman (or woman) uses a variety of stories to gain access to someone’s home in order to steal. They may pretend to be someone from the local council, gas, water or electricity company or pretend to be a workman needing to do ‘urgent’ repairs.

Don’t be a victim.

·  Think before you open the door – are you expecting anyone?

·  Put the chain on.

·  If you have a door viewer use it or a window to see who is at the door.

·  Ask for identification, keeping the chain on all the time while you check the ID.

·  Check the ID and call their office if you are unsure about them.

·  Call the Police if you are suspicious. Dial 999.