Helpful Hints on How to Stay Secure at Deakin
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety is of great importance to the University. At night, follow
these basic tips for keeping safe:
- Walk briskly and confidently.
- Avoid places where there are few people.
- If you are walking at night, never walk alone. Instead, walk with a group
or call Deakin Security for an escort.
- Never be afraid to call Deakin Security to escort
you to your car.
- Stick to well-lit pathways and avoid dimly-lit parts of campus.
- If you are staying back late at campus, ensure that you inform your family
or friends of where you are and when you can be expected home.
- Store the Deakin Security number in your mobile phone. Security contact numbers
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Office Safety
You need to be as vigilant about security in your office as you would be in
any other public space. During the day your workspace may be accessible by anyone,
so you should treat it accordingly.
Follow these tips to minimise theft at work:
- Do not leave valuables or sensitive documents on display (handbag, briefcases,
wallet, keys, jewellery etc). Use your lockable drawers to store valuable
items.
- Take your laptop with you, secure it in a locked cupboard or secure it
to a fixed piece of furniture with a lock. ITS or Facilities Management can give
you recommendations for locking devices.
- If you are leaving your computer, ensure that you lock it to prevent others
from accessing your documents and email.
- If you leave your office during the day, make sure your work desk and drawers
are secured whilst you are away.
- Staff members are responsible for the security of their workstations and
the safety of their belongings. Deakin cannot assume any liability for stolen
items. Remember that you are also looking after the security of other people’s
work desks.
You can maximise security by following these procedures at the end of the
day:
- If you are working late at the office, let Deakin Security know.
- When you leave, close windows and curtains and turn off all lights. This
prevents potential thieves from assessing possible entrances to the building.
- Report any unfamiliar individuals or suspicious behaviour to Deakin Security.
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Library Safety
The library is virtually open public space but provides opportunities for thieves
to steal your belongings while you are not at your desk.
- If you are leaving your desk (to go to the toilet or to find a book), do
not leave your bag unattended. Leave your belongings with a friend. It only
takes a few moments for someone to walk out with your bag or valuables.
- Keep your bags and valuables in sight or in physical contact to your body.
Should a theft or an incident occur, please report it to security. Report an incident
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Resident Student Safety
Your personal safety, and the security of your property, is mostly about being
diligent in what you do, applying common sense, taking precautions and showing
consideration towards other residents in your unit.
- Deakin Security can be contacted on your unit phone by dialling 222.
- If you are locked out of your unit after the Residential Assistant’s
duty hours, or if you are returning to your residence late, then call Deakin
Security for assistance.
- When travelling around the area, e.g. local shops or food outlets after
dark, ask someone to accompany you.
- Don't leave external doors propped open.
- Your unit doors are assisted to close with door closers but when you come
and go you need to check that they have locked behind you.
- Don't open the door of your unit / flat to visitors you cannot see or don't
recognise.
- Ask your visitors and unit mates to use the front entry where they can be
seen through the glass or peep hole.
- Don't allow anyone in unless the person they are visiting is in residence.
It is best to ask the visitor to remain at the door while you check that their
friend is actually in residence.
- Keep the patio security grill door locked. Do not use this door as an entry
or exit. Don't leave the patio doors unlocked when you leave the living area
or when you are in your bedroom.
- Don't leave valuables in the living room / kitchen area if the door is
unlocked.
- Lock your room door when you leave the unit to go to campus.
- Close your curtains when you are dressing or when you leave the room.
- Keep laptops away from view through the windows when not in use.
- Don't leave valuable items on the windowsill or on your desk where they
can be seen from outside.
- If you receive nuisance or abusive calls on the telephone, don't speak
to the caller, hang up and report the call to the Residence Manager.
- Lock your vehicle when parked in the car park and don't leave valuables,
clothing or loose coins in view.
- Don't leave clothes on the clotheslines after dark.
- Don't leave shoes outside the front doors or patio doors.
- Don't leave clothes in the washers or dryers.
- Lock your bicycles at all times (even for a short lunch break) with a chain
and lock.
- Don't allow any trades person into your flat who does not show their company's
identification. Check with your residence office if you are in any doubt.
Should a theft or an incident occur, please report it to Security. Report an incident
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Vehicle Safety
There are simple ways you can make your car less appealing to potential vehicle
crime offenders.
What makes a car stand out as being an easy target for a break in and to steal?
- A door has been left unlocked.
- There is no evidence of an immobiliser / car alarm device.
- The windows are open.
- The car is parked in a remote location.
- The keys have been left in the car door.
- A wallet, bags or money are visible.
To reduce the risk of your car being stolen or broken into:
- Remove the fascia from your stereo / radio, if possible.
- Have an immobiliser / car alarm installed.
- Lock and check your car before you leave.
- Store all items in your car boot.
- Don’t leave money or valuables in the glove box.
- Never leave anything you cannot afford to lose in your car.
Should a theft occur of or from your vehicle please report the theft to security. Report an incident
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Key Security
Keys are a big risk for the University especially Master or Sub-Master keys.
To ensure they are not stolen and to lessen the likelihood of them being lost
it is recommended you:
- Do not leave them in your door.
- Do not leave them visible on your desk.
- Lock your office door when you are not in the room.
- Do not store them in your desk drawer, unless it is lockable.
- Master and Sub-master keys are to be kept locked away when they are not in use.
- Do not loan your keys to other staff or students.
- Do not put any information on the keys that relate them to Deakin.
If your keys are lost or stolen ensure you report it to Facilities Management immediately.
Who can obtain keys/access passes
University policy on keys
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