Everything you need to know about safety info — all in one place.
With a new term underway, and a range of opportunities available, many of us will be trying new and exciting experiences, visiting different places and meeting new people.
We’ve put together some of the messages we share throughout the year in one place, with helpful links and info you might not have been aware of.
Leeds is generally a safe city to live and study in. However, if you’re new to the city, or new to the UK, there may be some great resources and support you’re not aware of.
Safety on campus
Let’s start on campus. It’s generally a safe place to be. Campus is looked after by University Security. They work 24 hours a day.
They make sure that buildings and areas of campus are safe, keep an eye on bikes and generally act as a deterrent for people who are looking to commit crime. If you’re looking to get advice on crime prevention, report a crime or find lost property — contact University Security. Don’t forget, they’re also there to support you, so do get in touch if you feel unsafe.
Safety in University and private accommodation
Find out safety information and who to contact if you’re in University residences.
Wherever you live, find out how mark and to look after your property using the Immobilise database.
West Yorkshire police website has helpful information on campus and home security, plus other areas such as car and bike crime, assault and phone and laptop crime.
Personal safety
The University aims to provide an environment that is safe, and supports you to fulfil your potential in your studies.
Reporting sexual violence, harassment and hate crime
The University has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence, harassment and hate crime, encouraging reporting of all incidents . After reporting, you’ll get an email about support available, including from the University Student Counselling and Wellbeing Service, LUU Help and Support and/or the University Student Cases Team if your report concerns another student or member of staff.
Reporting hate crime, sexual assault and online harassment online
At the University of Leeds, we recognise the trend of sexual violence across Higher Education and the need for a culture shift. That is why we are working closely with the Leeds University Union Welfare Officer to implement long-term solutions to the problem. We are currently developing plans that will ensure the University has a victim-centred approach at the heart of policy and procedures, a proactive and preventative model to address sexual violence, and enhanced support for victim-survivors of assault. Find out more
Abusive relationships and domestic abuse
Somebody of any gender can be in an abusive relationship. If you think you’re being treated badly, or someone like a partner, ex-partner, a family member or friend, is hurting you physically, emotionally or controlling you in any way, there is lots of confidential help both on and off campus.
Find out more:
- Information from LUU about abusive relationships
- Information from Leeds City Council about domestic violence and abuse
- National domestic abuse helpline
Crimestoppers has information on the above topics, plus other guides to public transport, taxis and Ubers and looking after your belongings.
Leeds University Union (LUU) has a huge range of articles on personal safety and welfare, including on forced marriage, sex work and other topics.
Keeping safe in the local community
Safe Places is a national network of safe spaces in shops and public buildings you can go to if you’re feeling worried or unsafe. The Safe Places National Network puts together all the Safe Place (and Keep Safe) schemes in one place. They also have mobile apps you can download.
West Yorkshire Police provide a West Yorkshire Community Alert which helps people keep in touch with local police updates. It’s free and you can choose to receive news and appeals, local crime information and/or prevention advice direct via email, text or voice message.
The student safety scheme is run by Leeds University Union (LUU). It is a partnership with Amber Cars, a local taxi firm who will take you home, even if you don’t have any money, or your phone is out of charge or lost.
If you need to report a crime:
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Find out how “Silent” 999 calls are handled — when you can’t speak and press 55.
- Call 101 for non emergency situations (in some areas of the UK — Leeds is one). You can also report crime online.
- Contact Leeds City Council, with information on reporting antisocial behaviour, noise nuisance, domestic violence, hate crime or more.
Keeping safe on nights out
Nights out are usually fun, memorable experiences, and give us a chance to unwind and spend time with friends. Here are some links to help plan your night and make sure it goes smoothly and everyone is safe.
Planning a night out might seem unnecessary, but knowing how you’re getting home, and keeping an eye on drinks is really important.
Here’s 7 tips for a safe night out (yes, it’s written for Christmas, but the message is the same whenever)
Don’t forget:
- Take your phone charging cable with you — pubs, bars and restaurants may be able to charge your phone in an emergency, and some phone boxes and illuminated advertising screens have phone charging ports — alternatively get a battery pack — a decent one is about ten pounds.
- If you feel unsafe in a bar, pub or club — Ask for Angela. The staff will know you are very concerned and help you. This is a scheme that is available in most places in Leeds. Please visit this webpage for more information and a map of participating venues in Leeds.
- Keep your friends updated on where you are. You may want to install an app like Find my Friends (Apple | Android). There’s lots of different ones available. You can also share your live location on WhatsApp or use Google Maps location sharing on other platforms.
- If you’re feeling pressured to take drugs, or want to find out more about different drugs, then Talk to Frank offers non judgemental help and information.
Coping with and reporting a crime
If you do need to report a crime, or know what to do next or how to get help, there’s lots of information for you. How you respond will depend on a variety of things, ranging from the type of crime to the support you have around you. If you have a friend who needs help and support, be understanding and there for them, if you can.
- Reporting hate crime, sexual assault and online harassment online
- Coping with crime — For Students web page with links to local support
- Victim support
Safety online
In a world where many of us are always connected, there are risks that we can mitigate against.
- Stay safe online has lots of practical tips for securing your devices, managing your privacy online, and how to report a cybercrime.
- The University has lots of information about IT Security, from managing your IT passwords, campus safety, and much more.
Sometimes, scammers will try and trick you into giving them personal details or money. They may pretend to be someone they aren’t. Find out how to protect yourself from fraud and stay safe online.
Working together, we can all play a significant part in helping reduce risk, and manage the effects of crime.
Looking after our friends, calling out behaviour that makes others feel unsafe or worried, and being there for each other can make a significant difference.
