Safety on campus

Who's Looking after You?

You can help make the campus safer and more secure for everyone by:

• recognising and avoiding potentially risky situations
• reporting any thefts or suspicious behaviour to Security

Tips to help you take charge of your own safety

• Be alert and walk purposefully. Confidence deters attackers.
• Carry a personal alarm, or be prepared to scream "No!" loudly and get away if threatened.
• Use light corridors on campus at night. Avoid lonely or gloomy places, walk with friends or call a security escort or stay with a crowd.
• Be wary of strangers, on foot or in cars, asking directions - it is better to be rude than to be in trouble.
• If someone follows you, go to a place where there are other people.
• Respect your intuition. Don't allow rationality to override your 'sixth sense' - it could protect you from danger.
• Take a self-defence course. For details of courses available contact the Sports Centre
• When you're socialising, play smart. One drink too many could make you vulnerable.

Taking public transport

• Know your timetables to avoid long waits - especially if you're alone.
• Rather than sit in lonely, closed-in shelters, keep to open, populated areas in full view of tram, bus or train.
• Avoid empty train carriages and, where possible, take an aisle seat.
• Phone for taxis rather than hailing them; if possible have someone see you off; keep a note of the taxi number; sit in the back seat on the opposite side to the driver; and don't disclose personal information.

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Taking your car

• Park in well-lit, busy areas.
• Hold your keys ready to open the door and be prepared to use them to jab an attacker.
• Check the back seat or hatch for intruders before getting into the car.
• Once inside, lock all doors and (if possible) leave windows up until you've reached your destination safely.
• Move your car closer if you plan to be on campus after dark.
• The Victoria Police Force have three simple tips for when you leave your car: LOOK - LOCK - LEAVE

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Public telephones

• Always carry change or a phone card. You may need to call a taxi, friend, family member or Security if you're stranded or nervous.
• When you have dialed, turn your back to the phone and speak looking outwards.
• If threatened, dial 000 (a free call to the Police Department) or dial University Security (Freecall 1800 24 6066)
• If you call the Police or Security, give your name, telephone box number and location first. If someone tries to get into the phone booth, sit down and brace yourself against the door.

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Security

The University's Security Section on campus is located at 213 Grattan St. Security Officers patrol the campus and are on call round the clock to deal with enquiries and provide assistance and support. All Security staff are trained in First Aid.

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Campus Watch Escorts

At night, Security Escorts are available on campus and surrounding areas to accompany you from University buildings to public transport or your car. To arrange this free safety service, contact Security on extension 44674.

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Reporting Incidents

Please help the University to safeguard the campus by reporting all thefts and other incidents. Even if you have informed others, please ensure that University Security is also notified. Students, staff and visitors are encouraged to report any breaches of security on campus. This can be done anonymously, if you prefer.Statistics prepared from these reports are important for planning improved security arrangements. Information which is useful includes the location of the incident, the number of people involved, environmental factors such as lighting and accessibility of the area. These records are confidential. If possible, reports should be made in person to the University Security Office at is located at 213 Grattan St. Alternatively, telephone extensions 44674 or 46666 (on the University's internal telephone system) or Freecall 1800 24 6066 (from a public or external telephone). Your security is your concern as well as ours

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CAMPUS WATCH

CAMPUS WATCH at The University of Melbourne The Campus Watch program aims to alert students, staff and visitors to security and safety issues and to promote personal safety and theft prevention within the University of Melbourne.