Stay safe on and off campus

Reporting leads to prevention, so if you're involved in an incident (or a near miss) on campus our recommended way to contact onsite first aiders, security and/or emergency response teams is by using the SafeZone personal safety app.

To ensure the best coverage across our campuses, don’t forget to enable Wi-Fi calling on your mobile device.

Wear your University of Greenwich ID when on campus

Your Greenwich Gateway card helps identify you as a Greenwich student/staff member and is one of the ways we can all contribute to secure campuses.

Even if you don't need immediate assistance, you should report all incidents to Security and complete an incident reporting form, when it is safe to do so.  It's essential incidents are reported so the university can act and investigate, see more information on how to use our accident and incident reporting system.

We recommend following the advice issued by the Metropolitan Police on staying safe - the advice below complements that and is a reminder of what you can do to help keep everyone safe.

On campus (academic and residences):

• Be vigilant and remain alert at all times, reporting any suspicious activity or persons to campus security immediately. It's better to be safe than sorry. Security is available 24/7. Please refer to campus specific emergency contact numbers below.
• Take care around controlled doors and ensure nobody attempts to gain access behind you.  As you know some of our buildings are open to the public and your vigilance will help us keep our buildings secure. If doors/systems are not working please report this immediately to campus Facilities Management help desks.
• Don't leave valuables in sight. Beware of the opportunist thief - recent audits have shown that staff and students have left items of value (laptops, mobile phones, wallets, handbags etc.) unattended in libraries, classrooms, cafes etc. Never leave bags or personal belongings unattended. Not only could this create a security incident but your belongings might no longer be there when you return, remove the temptation.
• Always try to keep your keys on your person and not in your bag. This will ensure that if your bag is stolen you will still have your keys. Never attach your address to your keys or place your keys in the same place as your address.
• Try to avoid using your mobile phone during busy periods or when moving in crowds. It is important to remain aware at all times of your surroundings, whether you are on campus or off-campus.
• When leaving offices and classrooms please close windows that have been opened (particularly on the ground floor) and doors locked where you are able to. This applies to residences too, including balcony doors.
• Cars, motorbikes and bikes are left at the owners' risk. Ensure locks are on and working, valuables are not on display and relevant insurances are in place. In respect to bike security please find further information from the Metropolitan Police on How safe is your bike?

Personal security:

• Don't allow technology to make you unaware of your surroundings. Headphones on or staring at your smartphone can make you lose track of what is going on around you.
• Students should share their timetabling schedule with family and/or a network of close friends. Make sure they have all the numbers they need to get in contact with you.
• Staff should inform colleagues of their whereabouts if they are leaving the office for a number of hours or going off site.
• Try and avoid walking alone at night, if it is unavoidable, keep to well-lit main roads.
• Use the security features on your phone. Ensure that you have a password lock to access the phone. Switch on features that allow you to remotely track your phone, potentially wipe data, lock your phone, and/or prevent a thief from restoring factory settings.
• Consider registering your property on the Immobilise register. This will assist you in the recovery of stolen items. The service is free and numerous British Police forces are linked to the service.
• Staff should familiarise themselves with the University's Code of Practice advice on Lone Working.
• Don't flaunt expensive phones, large sums of cash, expensive jewellery etc. Such actions may provide temptation to a thief. Watch what you "advertise" on social media.
• Remember the advice Run, Hide, Tell from the Police on what to do if involved in a serious incident. Escape is the primary objective if you become involved in a dangerous situation. Do not attempt a physical confrontation. Plan how you would escape or hide if you needed to. Make sure you know all your exits. Consider what routes you could take, and where you could go to get to safety.
• Always include emergency numbers in your mobile phone's contact list for easy access.
• In the event of hearing a fire alarm sounding – leave the building immediately and report to the fire assembly point (other than for published fire alarm checks)
• If you feel you would be physically unable to evacuate a building during a fire alarm you must obtain a (PEP) Personal Evacuation Plan (from your Manager or tutor)
• To contact a first aider, please see the local names and numbers on the nearest wall-mounted First Aid poster or call security.

Reporting leads to prevention

If you are involved in an incident (or a near miss) on campus, report it immediately to Security and fill in an incident management form. It's essential you report any incident so that the university can act and investigate, see more information on how to use our reporting system.

The university takes its responsibilities for student and staff safety very seriously and keeps its general security, emergency response and business continuity arrangements under review, but we all need to work together to ensure a safe and secure environment for all and keep our campuses safe.

If you have any questions or comments about security at the university, please contact Greenwich Facilities.

Campus specific emergency contact numbers