Student life on campus: Become a master at keeping yourself safe

At the end of the month, many students and matriculants will make their way to university for the first time or return to continue their studies.

According to security specialists Fidelity Services Group, it is important for those who live and work on university campuses to apply basic security rules to stay safe. The same principles they are conscious of in their homes need to be heightened when they go to university.

Typical forms of campus crime include theft and robbery, but students can be victims of more sinister crimes, such as sexual assault and kidnapping.

Charnel Hattingh, the group head of marketing and communications at Fidelity, says criminals are interested in students for several reasons.

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One reason is that students have laptops, cellphones, iPods and other gadgets which are light, portable and easy for a criminal to sell and convert into cash.

“It is essential that every student learns how to stay safe on campus. The basic rules of crime prevention apply to everyone in a higher education environment,” Hattingh said.

She explains that crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of action to remove or reduce this risk.

Recalling the abduction and murder of student Lee Matthews from a university campus in Sandton in 2004, Hattingh says safety in parking areas is paramount.

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“Never offer lifts to strangers or pick up hitchhikers. Have your keys in your hand when you approach your vehicle so that there is no hesitation upon entering the car. Even if your car is locked, check the front and back seats before you get in,” she advised.

“If you leave campus and suspect you are being followed, immediately drive to the nearest police station or busy public area where you should stay in the vehicle with the doors locked and phone the police or a family member for help.

“Take note of the registration and make and model of the car you think is following you. Take a photograph if possible.”

Recognising that socialising is a big part of student life, Fidelity urges students to keep safety top of mind at all times when they are out to enjoy themselves.

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The sad reality of gender-based violence in South Africa is that sexual predators see opportunity in social environments.

“Be particularly aware that alcohol and drugs interfere with your ability to make clear decisions and communicate effectively,” Hattingh said.

“Perpetrators are often not strangers, but even if you know the person, it is never acceptable to use force in sexual situations.

“If you feel unsafe or think you might be at risk, immediately leave the situation. It is always best to go out in a group with friends you trust and to stick together. Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and watch your drink at all times.”

Tips for on-campus safety in your residence:
• Always lock your residence door, even when you are in the room.

• Residence hall doors must be secure at all times. If you find someone has propped a door open, remove the barricade and secure the door.

• Report suspicious persons you see in the residence or office corridors.

• Never open your door to strangers.

• If you have lost your residence key, immediately report it and have the locks changed.

• Don’t keep residence and vehicle keys on the same keyring, and never disclose your address on your keyring.

• Preferably keep all valuables. including cash. locked in a safe.

“University is such an exciting step for young adults. Many students embark on this journey completely solo and it can be overwhelming and scary,” Hattingh said.

“To ensure your experience is memorable for the right reasons, mix with people who are like-minded about personal safety and who you can rely on in an emergency.

“Knowing and exercising the basics of crime prevention can go a long way toward preventing crime. However, no matter how good our knowledge, the maximum benefits will only be achieved if we make crime prevention a habit.”