Hall Security
Security is the responsibility of all residents. Residents should remain vigilant and safety conscious at all times and, if in doubt, report to the staff or Duty Officer immediately. Residents must never admit or sign in to the Hall any person whom they do not know or are not personally hosting. Residents will be held responsible for the actions of anyone they sign in.
Room Keys and Hall Cards
These are issued for residents’ personal use only and must never be lent to anyone. They should be kept separately, but available for use. Repeated attempts to gain entry to the Hall without using a swipe card will be investigated.
Lost or damaged cards must be reported to the Bursar’s Office to where a replacement will be issued on payment of a standard charge. Outside office hours, lost keys may be reported to reception. This will be treated as a non-urgent matter and residents should expect to wait for a replacement to be obtained. Charges are made for all replacement keys at the prevailing rate. If the original key is not found and the replacement not returned to the Bursar’s Office within 7 days, the lock will be replaced for security reasons. The considerable charge for supply and works to the lock will be passed on to the resident. Current rates can be obtained from the Bursar’s Office via reception.
When residents leave their flat/studio/single study room, no matter for how short a period of time, they should always lock their doors and take their keys. Cleaners will lock any door that they find unlocked.
Right of Staff to Enter Rooms
The Warden, Bursar and their representatives have the right to enter any room without the resident’s permission, at reasonable times and for a reasonable cause. All staff will always knock first and, on receiving no reply, call out as they enter.
Lost Property
The Hall has no facilities for the retention of long-term lost property. Lost items will be retained for a short period and details kept in a log book at reception.
Valuables, Insurance and Theft
The Hall has a group insurance policy that provides basic cover for residents. Any individual claim has an upper limit of £3000 and within that are further limits, e.g. £1000 for computer equipment. The policy has some exclusions, including mobile phones and bicycles. However, residents can add to the policy by arranging to pay a premium for themselves. Further details are given in the arrival Welcome Packs and should be carefully considered, especially when residents have expensive equipment.
The Hall has no secure storage for residents’ valuables and will not accept responsibility for loss or theft of personal property from within the Hall.
Precautions Against Theft
Reporting a Theft
Regrettably, thefts do occur occasionally. Victims of theft must report it to the police in order to obtain a crime reference number for their insurance claim. In such instances, residents should contact reception to obtain the number of the local police station (Holborn Police Station) and to inform the Hall’s Duty Officer of what has occurred. (Unless the thief is known to be in the building, the resident should not ring 999). If the police say that they will follow up by visiting the resident in Hall, the resident must notify the Duty Officer in advance and keep them updated on any developments. If residents wish to summon the police to attend them in Hall for any other matter, they must go through Reception and/or ensure that the Duty Officer is aware of the situation.
Illegal Activity by Residents
Any resident found conducting any illegal activity may be dismissed from Hall. The resident’s college and the police may be informed. Any resident found to be under investigation by the police may be required to reside away from Hall until the matter is resolved.
Metropolitan Police Stay Safe Guide
As with all major cities, London has its share of street crime. Unfortunately, students are also sometimes seen as a soft target. All residents, particularly those who have not previously experienced city life, are advised to note the following police advice and to talk to the The Warden if in doubt. The following points are extracts from the guide:
Personal Safety Links
www.met.police.uk/youngpeople/
Room Keys and Hall Cards
These are issued for residents’ personal use only and must never be lent to anyone. They should be kept separately, but available for use. Repeated attempts to gain entry to the Hall without using a swipe card will be investigated.
Lost or damaged cards must be reported to the Bursar’s Office to where a replacement will be issued on payment of a standard charge. Outside office hours, lost keys may be reported to reception. This will be treated as a non-urgent matter and residents should expect to wait for a replacement to be obtained. Charges are made for all replacement keys at the prevailing rate. If the original key is not found and the replacement not returned to the Bursar’s Office within 7 days, the lock will be replaced for security reasons. The considerable charge for supply and works to the lock will be passed on to the resident. Current rates can be obtained from the Bursar’s Office via reception.
When residents leave their flat/studio/single study room, no matter for how short a period of time, they should always lock their doors and take their keys. Cleaners will lock any door that they find unlocked.
Right of Staff to Enter Rooms
The Warden, Bursar and their representatives have the right to enter any room without the resident’s permission, at reasonable times and for a reasonable cause. All staff will always knock first and, on receiving no reply, call out as they enter.
Lost Property
The Hall has no facilities for the retention of long-term lost property. Lost items will be retained for a short period and details kept in a log book at reception.
Valuables, Insurance and Theft
The Hall has a group insurance policy that provides basic cover for residents. Any individual claim has an upper limit of £3000 and within that are further limits, e.g. £1000 for computer equipment. The policy has some exclusions, including mobile phones and bicycles. However, residents can add to the policy by arranging to pay a premium for themselves. Further details are given in the arrival Welcome Packs and should be carefully considered, especially when residents have expensive equipment.
The Hall has no secure storage for residents’ valuables and will not accept responsibility for loss or theft of personal property from within the Hall.
Precautions Against Theft
- Lock flat/studio/single study room doors and take the key, even if only leaving for a short time
- Do not keep cash in rooms. Open a bank account
- Put valuable items away, out of sight, when the room is unoccupied
- Report anyone who appears to be acting suspiciously
- Never let strangers into the Hall
- Back up computers regularly and keep discs away from the machine
Reporting a Theft
Regrettably, thefts do occur occasionally. Victims of theft must report it to the police in order to obtain a crime reference number for their insurance claim. In such instances, residents should contact reception to obtain the number of the local police station (Holborn Police Station) and to inform the Hall’s Duty Officer of what has occurred. (Unless the thief is known to be in the building, the resident should not ring 999). If the police say that they will follow up by visiting the resident in Hall, the resident must notify the Duty Officer in advance and keep them updated on any developments. If residents wish to summon the police to attend them in Hall for any other matter, they must go through Reception and/or ensure that the Duty Officer is aware of the situation.
Illegal Activity by Residents
Any resident found conducting any illegal activity may be dismissed from Hall. The resident’s college and the police may be informed. Any resident found to be under investigation by the police may be required to reside away from Hall until the matter is resolved.
Metropolitan Police Stay Safe Guide
As with all major cities, London has its share of street crime. Unfortunately, students are also sometimes seen as a soft target. All residents, particularly those who have not previously experienced city life, are advised to note the following police advice and to talk to the The Warden if in doubt. The following points are extracts from the guide:
- In any public place, keep your bag or briefcase closed and in a place where you can see or feel it – on your lap or touching your feet, not hung on the back of a chair
- Be aware of all personal property when using internet cafes
- Be aware of who is around you when listening to music using headphones or mobile phone. Know your phone’s IMEI (serial) number, found by dialling #06#
- If you are carrying a personal attack alarm, make sure it is available for immediate use, not lost in your bag or pocket (Personal alarms are available at a subsidised price at reception)
- Thieves love an easy target. keep any expensive (or expensive looking) watches or jewellery out of sight, e.g. by tucking them under your clothes
- Keep your wallet in an inside pocket. Take everything out of your jacket pockets before hanging it somewhere
- Wear your bag across your body and so that it opens on the side facing you. In winter, wear your coat over your bag to hide it
- Your safety is more important than any of your belongings. You are less likely to be hurt if you let your bag, phone, wallet, etc. go and don’t fight to keep it
- Keep your keys in a different pocket than anything that has your address on it (e.g. your Hall Card)
- Avoid carrying valuables in the outside pockets of a rucksack or backpack
- Don’t keep the PIN numbers of your cash/debit/credit cards on you
- Plan your journeys so that you can avoid dark alleyways, paths and areas that make you feel unsafe. Make sure you can get home at night without walking through unsafe areas
Personal Safety Links
www.met.police.uk/youngpeople/
