Staying safe on and around campus
The University is aware that some incidents of impersonation fraud have occurred in the local area surrounding the Stoke-on-Trent campus recently, and a couple of reports have been made to the Security Team regarding incidents on campus.
Impersonation fraud is defined as someone pretending to be destitute or injured to deceive people into giving them money. Common examples include asking people for cash or a bank transfer for things including pet food/vet bills, baby formula, or taxi’s home as they’ve lost their wallet. These individuals are often professional scammers, and the University has reported this activity to Staffordshire Police to investigate.
In the meantime, if you are approached on campus by anyone asking for money, we advise you to call the Security Team straight away using the emergency button on your Safezone app or by calling 01782 294444. The team will come out to assist you immediately.
If you are approached while off campus, please report it to the police by calling 101, the non-emergency number. You can also let the University know via the Safezone app ‘tip report’ function or email, so they can log any incidents in the local area to assist Staffordshire Police in their investigations.
Although the University sites are generally safe and the local area has a low crime rate, the University is located in the city centre and is therefore open to the public.
Our access-controlled doors ensure that criminals operating in the local area cannot enter our buildings and are denied the opportunity to commit further crimes or access your personal belongings. External and access-controlled doors left open facilitate easy reconnaissance for potential offences, so please ensure you do not prop open doors or allow ‘tailgaters’ without a staff or student card to follow you into a building.
In addition, this is a good opportunity to remember these four simple tips to help you stay safe when moving around campus:
1. Always keep your valuables with you and out of sight
Do not leave your personal belongings unattended, or within easy reach of potential opportunistic thieves (for example, leaving your mobile phone out on a table in a public space, or a bag unattended while using the toilets).
2. Don’t get distracted
Thieves are often prepared and use different methods to catch you unawares, such as pretending to ask for directions or help to snatch your bag or take your phone without you noticing. If someone you don’t know approaches you, get into the simple habit of putting your phone away to keep it safe, and wear your bag securely.
3. Trust your gut instinct
If you see anything or anyone suspicious or get a bad feeling, don’t be embarrassed to report it. Always carry your ID, preferably displayed clearly on a lanyard, and do not lend it to anyone else. Watch out for people tailgating you into secure parts of campus, and if you spot any suspicious behaviour, alert the Campus Safety and Security Team immediately.
4. Download SafeZone today
As part of the University's duty of care to our community, the University has made the SafeZone app available to all students and staff.
Our campuses are already very safe, but downloading SafeZone will give you extra reassurance that if needed, help is just the touch of a button away.
SafeZone is simple to use and free. And with a single tap, it lets you summon first-aid, security, or safety assistance from your mobile phone or PC.
The app allows you to alert our Campus Safety and Security Service via your smartphone if you ever need urgent assistance or first aid, have an emergency while on campus, or spot any suspicious behaviour you think they should investigate.
For more information on SafeZone, click here.