Threats to personal safety

Robbery

• Keep calm.
• Do exactly as asked.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Observe the aggressor for
  • Physical features or clothing worn
  • Distinguishing features, voice or tattoos
  • Any weapons
  • Anything touched or taken
  • Escape route, vehicle.
• As soon as it is safe, make your way to a public place and seek help. Phone the police on 111 and Security on 0800 373 7550.
• If possible, request all witnesses to remain.

Someone is following you

• Keep looking ahead and walk briskly.
• Cross the road and see if they follow.
• If they do, go to the nearest place where there are people.
• Call 111 and ask for police.  

Driver stops to ask for directions

• Be polite but stay out of reach.
• If you don’t trust them, walk away quickly in the opposite direction.
• Don’t accept a lift from a stranger.

Physical or sexual attack

• Try to escape and get to safety.
• Call out for help
• Call 111 and ask for police, giving exact location.
• Call Security on 0800 373 7550.
• Observe the aggressor for:
  • Physical features or clothing worn
  • Distinguishing features, voice or tattoos
  • Any weapons
  • Anything touched or taken
  • Escape route, vehicle.

Hostage situation

• Follow the aggressor’s instructions.
• Speak only when spoken to.
• Be as calm as possible, as the aggressor may use your emotions to his/her advantage.
• Sit down if possible, to avoid appearing threatening.
• Do not make any suggestions to the aggressor.
• Take advantage of opportunities to escape.

Active armed offender

Find out what to do: Active armed offender on campus.

Auckland is a relatively safe city, however criminal activity has been known to happen from time to time. If you are in a situation where you feel threatened, remember it's not your fault. However, there are measures you can take to enhance your safety, especially if it's after hours. 

In general

• Don’t carry lots of cash and valuables, or wear expensive jewellery.
• Be prepared to scream or shout loudly if attacked (or consider carrying a personal alarm).
• Recognise potentially dangerous situations before they develop. Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid any area which makes you feel unsafe. 
• Trust your intuition. Do not allow rationality to override your ‘sixth sense’ — it could save you from danger.
• Consider taking a self-defence course.
• When you are socialising, do not drink too much. Using more than a moderate level of alcohol lowers your awareness and increases your vulnerability. Your instincts, perceptions and ability to be in control and react to a situation can be affected.
  
• Be aware of people around you when using ATMs (cash machines) and hide your PIN. Don't carry your PIN around with you and don't tell anyone what it is.
• Keep bags containing valuables, wallets, purses etc. close to your body and don't leave unattended. Clearly mark your property. 
  
• Don’t put your bag or purse on the floor when in a public toilet cubicle.
  
• Keep your mobile phone where you can reach it quickly.
  
• If circumstances require it, consider using a taxi or Uber to get home. 
  

Walking

• Body language is important. Walk with confidence, upright and briskly. 
  
• Avoid walking alone late at night and or being in unlit areas.
  
• Avoid open areas like Albert Park and Myers Park after dark.
  
• Walk close to the gutter side of the road, not beside doorways or alcoves where people can hide.
• Face the traffic. If you do have to walk in the direction of the traffic and a vehicle pulls up beside you, turn around and walk or run in the opposite direction.
  
• Carry your keys in your hand for quick access to your vehicle, workplace or study area.

Your car

• Lock your car when you leave it.
  
• Do not leave valuables in the car.
• Always lock your car and close the windows.
• Walk confidently to or from your car with your keys held ready to open the door or to defend yourself.
• Check the backseat and hatch before getting into the vehicle.
• Once inside, lock the doors and, if possible, leave the windows up until you reach your destination.
• If a passing motorist indicates you should stop, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and the window partly open to speak through. Drive away if you feel threatened.

At restaurants and bars

• Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended.

At the University

Security escort to your car

• At many of our campuses (not Tai Tokerau), security escorts are available to accompany you between buildings, to your car or local public transport if you are working or studying late. 
• Phone Security on 85000 (internally) or 0800 373 7550 to request this, but you need to call them in advance, about 20 minutes before you need the escort.

Having your own individual safety plan means thinking about what action you would take if faced with various situations that may occur. It is important you settle on an action plan which suits you. Being aware of, and observing, safety precautions will reduce risks.

Go through the list under the heading 'Prevention is your best defence' and consider the points when drawing up your plan.

Think about what you would do if you felt threatened. You will also be able to use aspects of this plan, and the other tips and suggestions contained here, when you are off campus.

• If you are working after hours, notify Security on ext 85000.
• Make sure there is someone else in the building that you know.
• Cash should be banked at the end of the day.
• Stop and challenge strangers in your work area. If in doubt, phone Security.
  
• Never lend anyone your office keys or ID access card.
  
• Do not leave keys or combinations in desk drawers.
  
• Devise an escape route before you need one.
  
• Do not wedge doors open.
  
• Decide upon a "safe place" you can retreat to if you feel threatened while on campus.
  
• Consider what you could use as a weapon (a pen, ruler, keys) and know where they are kept.
• If you are confronted in the workplace, ensure there is a barrier you can place between yourself and the other person, such as a desk or counter.
  
• The last person to leave for the day must ensure all windows are shut and the working area is locked.
  
• Lock your car and office when you leave it.
  
• Use the Security escort service to walk you to your car or bus stop. See the above text under 'Prevention is your best defence'.

Security services provide a safe and secure environment for students, staff and visitors. Security officers pro-actively patrol our grounds, and can quickly summon help using their radios. 

More information: Security contact details.