Safety and Security Tips
At home
Lock your bedroom door- even if you’re only going to the kitchen or bathroom
Check your doors and windows are locked at night or when going out- don’t assume someone else will do it.
Make a list of your personal property including the serial number and descriptions- use an ultraviolet pen to mark electrical and other items.
Make sure your bike is locked to an immovable object, using a good quality lock – even if it’s in a bike shed at halls.
Avoid putting your name or room number on your keyring – if it is lost or stolen, the thief will have information that could direct them to your home and your property.
Out and about
Think ahead – don’t walk home alone late at night. Arrange in advance to stay with a trusted friend. Alternatively, use the SRC free campus- halls minibus or pre-book a taxi.
Invest in a personal alarm (Partick police station sells them for less than £3) and if you must walk somewhere alone, carry it with you in your hand or in an easily accessible pocket. It’s no good at the bottom of your bag or sitting on a shelf in your bedroom.
Never leave drinks unattended in pubs or clubs- when you go to the toilet, ask a friend to keep an eye on your drink. If it is spiked, contact a member of staff or tell a trusted friend.
Your mobile phone
Keep a record of your phone’s IMEI number (the unique number that is assigned to each phone): if it stolen and later recovered by the police, it can be returned to you. To discover your IMEI number, press the following keys on your phone: *#06#
If your phone is stolen or lost, report it to the police immediately.
Inform your service provider if your phone is lost/stolen as soon as possible.
Don’t leave your mobile phone unattended- if you must, lock it out of sight.
Financial and online
Don’t give anyone else access to your bank PIN, internet/online banking passwords, or university login details.
When taking money out of the bank, or paying by Chip & Pin, be aware of other people standing near you, and make sure they can’t see your PIN.
Don’t give out any personal details to strangers who phone or email you claiming to be from your bank – they may be bogus. Your bank will never ask for your PIN or your password over the phone or in an email. If in doubt, hang up and call your bank on the usual phone number.
Don’t answer any emails telling you that you have won a lottery that you haven’t bought a ticket for – these emails are scams, designed to rip you off. Never, ever send these people any money.
For more information about safety, have a look at the Strathclyde Police website.