Facilities Management - Security & personal safety

Security and personal safety is a matter of
common sense and awareness.

Trust your instincts. If in doubt, move away.

In most cases the prickly feeling you get in the back of your neck is right.

walk in well-lit areas
walk mid-point between kerbs and buildings
don't use alleys or less travelled routes between buildings
avoid bushy areas
check the route you will take in daylight if possible
try to walk with a group of people
vary your route each evening - don’t set a pattern
only carry essential credit cards and small amounts of money
don’t let others see your money, especially at ATMs
don't stop to give strangers directions or information - especially at night
walk with confidence and keep your keys in your hand
if you are walking alone carry a whistle or pocket siren
if a bag snatcher takes your bag - do not resist - it is better to lose your bag than your life

If you suspect you are being followed:

be suspicious - keep looking behind you, so the person knows you cannot be surprised
cross the street or change direction
go to a well-lit area, enter a residence or building - go to a library or where there are people and phones
approach a Security or Traffic Officer and request assistance
if on campus - phone for an Security escort before leaving the building (6488 3020) (30 minutes notice is required)
notice and remember as much as possible.
report any incidents to the Security Office immediately
do not wear a personal stereo or play music so loudly that you are not aware of your surroundings

remember to lock all doors and windows prior to leaving your vehicle
as you approach your vehicle have your keys ready
before you open the door - check the rear seat and luggage compartment
if someone tries to enter your vehicle while you are in the driver's seat - drive off immediately
if you cannot drive away, use your horn to draw attention to what is happening
consider your surroundings - well-lit, busy places are obviously the best places to park
shift your vehicle to a better area before dark if you are going to work back at night
don't have your name, address, licence number, office building or room number on your key chain
never pick up hitchhikers
if you break down - only open your window slightly if a Good Samaritan arrives
ask them to call the RAC or someone to help you
make sure you always have enough petrol in your vehicle

If you catch a taxi, remember the driver’s identification number displayed on the dashboard. There should also be a photo of the driver. If it is not there don’t get in.
A taxi may be called from the security office if required at no cost as security have a direct line to the taxi computer
If you are catching a bus, check the timetable before so that you are not waiting at the bus stop for long periods
Select a well-lit bus stop at night and make sure that you can see the area around you

If you have any doubts about your safety on campus -
trust your instincts and contact the Security Office (tel: 6488 3020).

There is a free call to the Security Office
on all public phones 1800 655 222.

know the location of the nearest telephone and the security emergency number (6488 2222)
check the identification of repairmen or strangers in your work area
do not have music turned up loudly
never loan your office keys to anyone
report all incidents to the Security Office immediately (6488 2222)
when working back at night - lock your office door
when working back at night - lock the external door and leave the passage lights on
never prop external doors open while waiting to be collected to go home
lock personal possessions away in a lockable drawer in the office
lock the office door even if you are only leaving for a short period e.g. morning tea time
when leaving for the day - lock your office windows and door
when leaving for the day - make sure the external door to the building is locked behind you
make sure your computer and associated equipment is locked to the desk with a cable
keep petty cash locked away at all times
if you don't have a lockable drawer for petty cash - have a small safe installed

If you require advice - please contact the Security Superintendent
Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm on (08) 6488 1230