Crime, Safety & Security
Sheffield is one of the UK's safest cities but it is sensible to take precautions to avoid crimes and prevent accidents.
Personal Safety
Tips for keeping safe when you are out and about.
In Sheffield, like any big city, it is important to be vigilant about your personal safety in order to avoid being a victim of crime. You can do this by taking sensible precautions and avoiding situations in which crime might occur.
- Get insurance - nearly 12% of students in private accommmodation experience a burglary
- If you are returning home late at night walk in a group, use public transport or the Union's Safe Taxi Scheme:
www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/safety-and-security/taxi-scheme.php
- Avoid using cash machines when it is dark
- Walk on main roads and 'Green Routes' and avoid short cuts
www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/safety-and-security/out-and-about
More tips from the University's Security Services
Home Safety
- Lock all outside doors and windows
- If you live in a shared house don't assume that someone else will make it secure
- If you see signs of a break in do not go in. Go to a neighbour's house and phone the police on 999
www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/safety-and-security/halls-and-house.php
Women's Safety
It is recognised that the safety needs of women are different to men's. The Union of Students' has developed a variety of support services specifically for women studennts.
- Free safety alarms from the Student Advice Centre
- Self-defence and assertiveness classes
- The Women's Night Safety Bus:
www.shef.ac.uk/union/advice/safety-and-security/out-and-about/womens-minibus.php
Fire Safety
Fire can kill you and badly damage your home. There are some simple things you can do to stop a fire from starting.
- Do not leave the kitchen when you are cooking
- Make sure your accommodation has a working fire alarm
- Do not put candles near anything that could catch fire, like curtains or sofas
- You should make a safety plan to make sure that you can get out of your home if there is a fire
www.syfire.gov.uk/safeathome.asp
What to do if a fire starts
- If the fire has got too big to put out by yourself call the Fire Service on 999
- Try to keep calm and get out as quickly as you can - do not stop to collect things
- If there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer
- If you can't get out and you are on the ground floor, drop some cushions, pillows or blankets out of the window to land on and carefully lower yourself
- If you cannot get out of any doors or windows go into a room where there is no fire. Shut the door. Put a towel, blanket or clothing at the bottom of the door to stop smoke coming in
Other Safety Issues
I have been a victim of crime and I am finding it difficult to cope
Crime is often sudden and unexpected. Student Victims of crime may experience reduced ability to attend to their educational responsibilities - but you can find help.
Contact List
| In an emergency - Police, Fire and Ambulance Services | 999 | www.southyorks.police.uk/contactus |
| To report a non-emergency or antisocial behaviour | 101 | www.southyorks.police.uk/contactus |
| Crimestoppers - anonymous | 0800 555111 | |
|
University Campus Security: Emergency Non-emergency |
01142224444 01142224085 |
www.shef.ac.uk/security/contacts |
| Samaritans | 08457 909090 | jo@samaritans.org |
| Nightliine | 0114 2228787 | nightline@sheffield.ac.uk |
If your particular problem or solution is not included in our web pages, or if you would like to speak to someone in person but aren't sure who to approach, please come to SSiD. We will try to help you or at least point you in the right direction