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Crime

The University encourages students and members of staff who are victims to report crime internally by using the incident reporting system, not all do so. In addition, students travelling outside the University area for weekend or evening activities any be victims of crime elsewhere that would not be recorded on local police statistics.

Crimes that are reported generally fall into the category of 'opportunist theft' where personal items such as mobile telephones, wallets and purses are stolen having been left unattended. Crimes of violence and indecency towards students are less prevalent although some have been reported.

1.4 Crime against the University

The University benefits from its location in St Andrews.  Most crimes against properly involve vandalism and even then the incidence is low when compared to universities elsewhere in Scotland.  Theft by housebreaking does occur most commonly involving the loss of immediately transportable goods such as laptop computers, petty cash and items of office equipment.  However, experience in the University sector shows that institutions are at risk from attach by criminal gangs intent on stealing computer server equipment and such acts can have a significant impact on business continuity.  The University is a member of the Association of University Chief Security Officers, an organisation that communicates information about crimes and crime trends to other institutions, to ensure that it keeps abreast of current threats.

1.5 University Security Manager

The University Security Manager is responsible for the development and implementation of security policy and provides advice on security and personal safety related matters to the Director of Estates and Head of Schools/Units.  The security manager will work in partnership with the police and other relevant agencies to ensure that information and guidance is accurate and appropriately disseminated to the University community, and the Facilities Support Officers (FSO) and other members of staff directly involved with security matters are properly briefed and directed.

The security manager is also responsible for preparing security risk assessments for each University building and advising heads of schools/units on required improvements.  The checklist shown at Appendix A will form the basis of this assessment. A written report, an example of which is shown at Appendix B, will be given to the head of school/unit and copied to the Director of Estates.

Assessments may also be carried out in conjunction with the police where particular risks or threats are identified.

The security manager will investigate breaches of security and crimes occurring on University property to prevent recurrence and will report findings to appropriate senior members of University staff for any necessary action.

2 Crime reduction

2.1 Security Awareness

Places of work are no different from anywhere else.  Crimes do occur and as most are 'opportunist' and therefore preventable, security awareness is an essential proactive measure towards crime reduction.  The University security manager will communicate information on criminal activity and crime trends to schools and units through security coordinators to improve awareness in the following key areas:

  • Reporting procedures for all suspicious incidents and security incidents
  • Stimulation of interest in security and personal safety issues through liaison with security coordinators (see paragraphs 2.3)
  • Protection of assets such as computer and audiovisual equipment
  • Protection of personal property in offices and work places.

2.2 Incident Reporting

The University's internal Incident Report Form should be used to report all security infidents.  The report is in electronic format and accessible from the web page. Submission of the incident report ensures that an accurate record of occurrences and appropriate follow-up action.

Use of the incident report form does not remove the need to contact the emergency services in the event of a serious incident.

2.3 Security Co-ordinators

Each school or unit will appoint a member of staff to the role of security coordinate to provide a contact point between the University security manager, the police and the particular to;

  • Ensure that information on security and personal safety is passes on so increasing awareness amongst staff and students.
  • Inform the security manager of any concerns about security or personal safety within the building, school or unit.
  • Ensure that University security policy and procedures relating to particular buildings or activities are being adhered to.

Guidance for security coordinators is provided on the Security and Response Team web pages.

3.0 Security and the individual

3.1 Personal Safety

The University has a duty of care towards students, members of staff and visitors to take all reasonable steps to identify and minimise risks.  Individuals have a duty of care towards themselves and others to avoid situations that may place them at risk.  Further information on personal safety will be made available to members of staff and students through web based information.

While the University will endeavour to provide adequate lighting across its estate, individuals should made themselves aware of their surroundings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas whether on or off University property.

The police should be contacted as quickly as possible if any suspicious or criminal activity is seen. While in some circumstances it may be appropriate to question an individual this should be done not place themselves or others risk of verbal or physical attack.

Individual should also bear in mind that car park can prevent vulnerable locations and should therefore exercise care particularly when returning to a vehicle during the hours of darkness.

To ensure that the security policy is adhered to the following procedure should be in place:

During office hours:

  • Personal valuable should not be left unattended.
  • Unauthorised access to office mail collection areas should not be allowed.
  • Cash held in the office for any purpose should be kept to a minimum and access restricted.
  • Office doors should be locked when the room is vacated.
  • Staff should be alert and responsive to any suspicious activity or persons.

After Working Hours:

  • Personal valuables should be removed from the office.