Safety tips when on campus

Pedestrian Safety

• Walk briskly and confidently.
• Avoid places where there are few people. Stick to well-lit pathways and avoid dimly-lit parts of campus.
• If you are walking at night, never walk alone. Instead, walk with a group or call Deakin Security for an escort.
• 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.
• Never be afraid to call Deakin Security to escort you to your car. Store the Deakin appropriate contact number listed on this page in your mobile phone.

Office Safety

Follow these tips to minimise theft at work:

• Do not leave valuables or sensitive documents on display. 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.  Contact Deakin University's Security Coordinator (03 924 46240) for recommendations for locking devices.
• Lock your computer when leaving your desk.
• Deakin cannot assume any liability for stolen items.

It is also a good idea to follow 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.
• Report any unfamiliar individuals or suspicious behaviour to Deakin Security.

Library Safety

The library is virtually open public space but provides opportunities for thieves to steal your belongings while you are away from your desk.

• If you are leaving your desk, do not leave your bag unattended. Leave your belongings with a friend.
• 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.

Resident Student Safety

• Deakin Security can be contacted on your unit phone by dialling 222
• When traveling around the area, where possible travel with a friend
• Don't leave external doors propped open. 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
• Advise visitors and unit mates to use the front entry where they can be seen
• Don't allow anyone in unless the person they are visiting is in residence. Ask the visitor to remain at the door while you check that their friend is there
• Keep the patio security grill door locked. Do not use this door as an entry or exit
• Don't leave valuables in the living room / kitchen
• Lock your room door when you leave the unit
• Close your curtains when you are dressing or when you leave the room
• Don't leave valuable items where they can be seen from outside
• If you receive nuisance or abusive calls, don't speak to the caller. Hang up and report the call to the Residence Manager
• 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 an incident occur, please report it to Security.

Vehicle Safety

There are simple ways you can make your car less appealing to thieves and vandals.

What makes a car stand out as an easy target?

• 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
• 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
• 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 or or from your vehicle occur, please report it to Security.

Key Security

To ensure keys are not stolen or lost it is recommended that you:

• 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 Security immediately.

Who can obtain keys/access passes

University policy on keys