Personal Security

Whilst Adelaide is a beautiful city in which to live and study, it is still a city. Therefore, you must be careful and be conscious of your personal security. A few simple precautions can help immeasurably.

Walking
Do not walk in isolated, overgrown, or poorly lit areas alone. Always walk against the flow of the traffic as this prevents vehicles driving slowly alongside you. If wearing headphones, do not have the volume so loud that you cannot hear what is happening around you.

On the street
At the ATM withdrawing money, be aware of your environment: is it poorly lit? Is it secluded? Be aware of the people around you. Keep your personal identification number (PIN) secret and never write it down. Never count your cash in the sight of other people.

Carry your bag in front of you or under your arm with the strap secured. Never carry an open shopping bag or basket with your money or purse exposed. Never reveal the contents of your purse, especially if you are carrying a large amount of money.

Your car
Always park in well-lit and highly visible areas or move your car to a better location before night falls. Do not leave valuables in view and lock your car. Keep an eye on your handbag or wallet when you are loading your car. Consider investing in a steering lock or an engine immobiliser/car alarm. Do not put your name and address on your keys - a phone number is enough. When buying a car, check out the engine and registration numbers. Call the Vehicle Security Register 131 084 to be sure. If your car is stolen, call the police on 11 444.

Avoid road rage. If someone is driving aggressively, stay calm and avoid eye contact. Always drive with your doors locked. Report all suspicious activities to the police.

Guarding against theft of personal property
Consider engraving expensive possessions with your driver's licence/passport number and photograph major items. Keep a list and note make and model numbers. This includes televisions, DVD players, stereos, computers and mobile phones.

Record your SIM card number and keep it in a safe place.

Holidays
Check that all your door and window locks are in good condition and that you secure them before leaving. Use timer switches to turn on lights and radios (tuned to talk back programs). Cancel all your regular deliveries. Leave your curtains and blinds partially open. People will not be able to see straight in and you will create doubt about whether anyone is at home.

Remember: ring 000 for emergencies or 11444 for police attendance

On Campus
The Security Service at the University of Adelaide provides many services to keep you safe. The office is located on the Hughes Plaza. (See the A-Z section on this website for further information).
· A free Shuttle bus leaves between 5:45pm and 10:15pm from the Security Office by the Hughes Plaza in term time. It goes around the City and North Adelaide and drops you right at the door. If there is no shuttle bus, the Security Service will escort you to where you need to go (if no other secure transport is available). This service must not be abused. Just call the Security number to book a meeting time and place.
· Free Women's Self Defence Courses - two 2-hour sessions that run over two weeks. Contact Security for times and dates.
· All Security Officers are trained First Aid Carers.

Report all security incidents immediately - if you have property stolen on campus you must complete a 'Stolen Property Report' and then inform the police.

The Security number is 8303 5990 or 8303 5444 in an Emergency. Internally call 35990 and 35444 (Emergency). You can also call from the many Emergency Call points around the University.