OXFORD UNIVERSITY SECURITY SERVICES Oxford does not have a high crime problem when compared to other cities of comparable size within the Thames Valley region, or even the UK. For a number of years crime rates have consistently fallen and detections rates improved and it is possible that through continued and effective partnership working and improved policing this trend will continue. It remains the case that within a relatively safe City the University and Colleges are an even safer environment in which to live and work with low crime rates being recorded year on year. On average OUSS record approximately 5 crimes per week which when considering the size of both the University estate and population of students, staff and visitors is exceptionally low.
Personal Safety Talk
On the street Never take short cuts home at night Keep to well lit areas Walk facing on coming traffic If you are approached by some one step back and keep a distance Walk with confidence,head up at all times Remember that listening to an IPod or MP3 player, will limit your ability to hear someone approaching you from behind If you do feel threatened in any way go into a shop or pub, to raise help. Telephone Boxes are a risk because you will be in effect trapping yourself
Public Transport & Taxis The yellow plate will be on the back of licensed private hire vehicles. You can pre-book private hire vehicles and if they are flagged down without a booking the driver is committing an offence and the vehicle insurance will be invalid. The white plate will be on the back of licensed hackney carriages. a hackney carriage can be picked up at a rank or flagged down on the street it is even more important to make a note of the unique licence number. Whilst it may be difficult to see the plate on the back of the cab the number is in the back side 1/4 windows as well as displayed on the screen behind the driver.
Public Transport & Taxis Only share a taxi with people you know Try to use buses late at night that are quite busy. If your a female and you feel vulnerable, move to near the front of the bus near the driver.
Don't make yourself a Target for Robbery Gentlemen please ensure that your wallet is kept in your front pocket and not your back pocket. Ladies if you have shoulder bags wear the strap across your chest. Keep hold of handbags when walking in a shop or in the street ensure that compartments are closed. If drawing money out at a cash point take note of your surrounding any people watching you? In the event of your belongings being taken it is better to let go rather than risk your life.
Tips to help reduce Burglary Always secure windows and doors, especially at night. If you do want to open a window, never leave it unattended. Keep small high-value items like your car keys, mobile phone, wallet, handbag and jewellery out of sight, and ensure they can not be seen or reached through cat flaps and letter boxes Don't keep pin numbers in your diary Set light switch timers for when you are out or away on holiday Take an interest in the security at the homes of vulnerable family members and look out for your neighbours. Find out more about Thames Valley Alert.
Last few Tips Report any suspicious behaviour. It is common for an offender to checkout a number of properties for entry points before finding a vulnerable home. If you see someone suspicious hanging around a property call 999. Keep photos of your jewellery, take a note of serial numbers You should also register your property on www.immobilise.com We suggest making use of tracking software, that is available to download onto computers and some smart phones for free and can be activated remotely to find the location of your device if it ever goes missing. One example of this software, which is free of charge, is called Prey.com
Student Properties Never leave rooms unattended while moving in. Never leave windows open if you are going out or doors open on the latch for Housemates. Never leave notes on your door saying that you are away. Never let strangers into your house without checking who they are. Don't leave keys under a front door mat or under a flower pot
Cycle Crime The most prolific crime across the University remains cycle theft with 69 cycles stolen with a combined value of 16,985, or an average of 246 per bike. The most common form of theft of cycles is from opportunists who will walk around the University estate and look for cycles that are not locked. Cable locks are cut through on a regular basis by hand held battery operated disk cutters, that can be carried in bags or rucksacks, or even slipped into pockets in coats.
Top Tips for Cycle crime Lock it up, no matter how short a period of time you intend to be away for. Even if it is visible from where you are, you should remember that a person riding a bike is faster than another running after them! Lock to something immovable and solid. D locks are the best locks to use, two one through the front wheel and one through the back wheel, both incorporating the frame when you lock the bike Spend a suitable amount of money. You do get what you pay for. Police guidelines suggest that you spend approx 10% of the value of your bike on a lock to secure it. Don't be fooled by cheap locks which look really beefy. Many cheap shackle locks can be broken with one blow of a brick or hammer. They may look the part, but you can guarantee that serious thieves know what they're up against. 11 Seconds to steal a bike that s all it takes
What are OUSS Doing to help Students and Staff with Cycle Crime Pop Up Cycle Crime events to be held around the University for Cycle Security tips and registration of Cycles Free Cycle Registration Tasking Patrols around cycle hot spots Joint partnership working with Thames Valley Police and Oxford City Council and British Transport Police Attend Oxford Student Fresher Fairs to educate new Students Work closely with Oxford Colleges and Porters lodges Used CCTV for targeted coverage of hotspots Took part in National Cycle week in Broad Street Oxford