Safety

This section of the website has been produced in conjunctin with the North Yorkshire Police and the Safer York Partnership. These organisations wish to make York a safer place to live for everyone.

So, whether you are a York resident who is now a student, or a student living away from home, possibly for the first time, we want you to have a fulfilling, happy and safe experience during your time in the City.

North Yorkshire Police

The North Yorkshire Police Force is committed to reducing crime and the fear of crime.

Home Office research shows that one in three students become the victims of crime each year at University, but in the majority of cases these crimes can easily be avoided. This section of the website has been designed to provide you with some simple steps to help you reduce the risk of being a victim of crime.

In non-emergency situations North Yorkshire Police can be contacted on a Switchboard number of 0845 60 60 247. This number can be used to report any crime. Call 999 if there is a threat to life or a crime is actually taking place.

Travelling around York Whichever way you choose to travel it is important you take the following simple precautions to help you stay safe:

• If your gut reaction is that there is trouble ahead there probably is, so get somewhere safe, fast.
• Be alert. A confident person is much less likely to be attacked. Hold your head up and be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
• Never assume that it won't happen to you - no one is invincible! Trust your instincts and act straightaway. Remember that appearances can be deceptive.
• Every time you go anywhere ask yourself these questions:
  • Where am I going?
  • How am I getting there?
  • How am I getting back?
  • Am I prepared for a change of plan?
  • Have I let people know where I am?
• Don't rely on your mobile phone having reception and battery.
• Have a personal attack alarm within easy reach. These may be available from your Students Union.

It's likely you will use taxis while you are a student, particularly to get home at the end of a night out, so take note of the following tips:

• It is an offence for a private car hire to pick up on the street - all journeys must be managed and controlled from a central office. If you get into a private hire car without booking, you will be uninsured and may be unsafe.
• Carry the phone number of a reputable taxi company.
• If ordering a taxi in a public place, try not to let anyone overhear your name and address - anyone could pretend to be your taxi.
• Sit in the back seat of the taxi and do not give too much personal information to the driver.
• Before arriving at your destination, have your money and house keys ready. Leave the cab, pay the driver and enter your home quickly.

Protecting your belongings

Personal possessions, in particular cash, cash cards and mobile phones are often targeted by thieves. This advice should help you keep your valuables safe:

• Sign any new bankcards as soon as they arrive. Cut up old cards immediately or as soon as the new card becomes valid.
• Do not write your PIN down or give it to anyone - not even bank staff.
• Keep a separate note of your card numbers and account numbers, and 24-hour telephone numbers to cancel your cards. Make sure you report lost or stolen cards to your bank or building society as soon as possible.
• Keep your mobile phone and any other valuables out of sight. Register your phone with your network provider. Record your 15 digit serial number (IMEI) and your phone number. You can get your IMEI number by keying *#06#. Report the number of your stolen phone to your network operator and the police as quickly as you can. It can then be cancelled immediately like a stolen credit card. The handset is then barred on all networks and will be useless to the thief.
• Use an ultra violet pen to mark items of value.

Cycle theft is a crime that York students are often the victim of. The vast majority of bikes stolen have been locked with chains or combination locks that are easy to cut through with bolt cutters. In order to make it harder for thieves to steal your bike, make sure you do the following:

• Lock your bike through the frame to a solid structure. If possible, use two D-locks, the second through the rear wheel
• Take off removable parts i.e. the front wheel
• Lock your bike in well lit areas, where there is CCTV and lots of pedestrian traffic
• Get your bicycle tagged. This involves a police officer placing a tag in the frame of your cycle and you providing the police with your name and address. York Police offer this service free of charge. If your cycle is ever stolen and later recovered by the police, providing it is tagged, it will be returned to you. The police advertise when there are cycle tagging days at the universities and colleges in York so keep your eyes open for these.

Securing your property

The majority of crimes are opportunist, which means they are committed on the spur of the moment when a thief spots an open window, unlocked door or other means of breaking into your property. The following tips should help:

• Make sure windows and doors are locked when you go out, even if you are just nipping down the corridor for a few seconds - remember that seconds is all it takes!
• If there is a problem with door/ window locks or fittings, ask your porter/ security officer or your landlord to fix them.
• Never leave a spare key outside your accommodation - a thief will look there first.
• Ask the identity of a caller before opening the door - where appropriate, ask for proof of identification.
• Watch out for people following you into buildings where the doors have codes to them. Criminals are entering locked classrooms and accommodation quarters using this tactic. Report anybody suspicious to security.
• Make sure nothing valuable can be seen from the street - it is an open invitation to theft.
• Ensure your mobile phone is accessible in your bedroom, as it will allow you to call the Police immediately without alerting an intruder.
• Use a timer switch for lights and radios when you are out to create the impression that you are in. Outside lighting is also a deterrent.

Out and about

While you are at university or college a lot of your time will be spent going out and enjoying yourself. Follow these simple points to ensure that everyone stays safe and has fun:

• When you're new to York speak to students who've been here longer about places to go out in York and also those to avoid.
• Go out in a group, stay as a group, and go home as a group – it’s safer and cheaper.
• Look out for your friends and don't let others take advantage of them.
• In public places keep your bag on your lap.
• Don't leave coats and jackets containing valuables unattended.
• Avoid using cash points in badly lit or isolated areas, particularly late at night.
• Keep to well-lit, main street areas.
• Never leave without telling anyone or walk home alone. Phone a flatmate if you decide to stay out for the night.
• Keep a small amount of money separate from your wallet for getting home at the end of the night.

Alcohol and drugs

Drink spiking is on the increase and is regularly reported to city centre police officers by students. Many people believe drink spiking only happens to girls, but it doesn't, men are also at risk. Remember drink spiking doesn’t just involve drugs, you can be spiked with alcohol too.

• It takes only 15 minutes for the effect of rape drugs to kick in and they can wipe out 8 hours of memory. Never leave your drink unattended.
• Only accept a drink from a stranger if you have accompanied them to the bar and watched it being served.
• Ask the bar staff to remove bottle tops in your presence. Keep the bottle in your hand & use your thumb to cover the top. The biggest substance used in drink spiking isn't Rohypnol or Ketamine but friends putting extra vodka to 'assist' others in having a good time. If you're that friend you could be putting someone at risk.
• Know your limits and don't drink more than you can handle!
• If you feel your drink has been spiked take the following steps immediately:
  1. Seek help from someone you trust 100%
  2. Seek medical assistance
  3. Report the matter to the police by telephoning 0845 60 60 24 7.
• The main drugs used to spike drinks are out of the system very quickly so the police will only do urine tests up to 72 hours after the incident.

Party Safe was developed by Higher York, in conjunction with the York Students' Unions, in order to raise awareness about student safety on nights out, including drink safety awareness and getting home safely.