Safety tips for UP students

At the University of Pretoria (UP) we take the safety and security of our students seriously. We understand that the exam period can be a stressful time for students, which can lead to being more distracted and less observant than usual. This is why exam time is a good time to remind you to please take note of the following suggestions and measures that UP has in place to ensure you are always safe:

• Do not use your electronic devices while walking around. Also, try not to be too distracted while walking. Pay attention to your surroundings. Be alert and attentive to everything going on around you.
• Do not leave expensive items like laptops, cellphones, or iPads where they can be seen in your vehicle. Pack them away in your boot before you leave your home.
• After locking your car with a remote, manually test the doors to ensure that they are locked. Do this every time you park in public.
• All UP campuses have security guards on duty and 24-hour monitoring systems to keep you safe during this exam period and beyond.
• When on campus after hours, use our Green Route, on which UP security guards escort students to and from their residences and vehicles. This service is available from 6pm to 6am daily.
• If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, call UP’s 24-hour Operational Management Centre. The phone numbers can be found on the back of your student card.
• Carry minimal baggage when going to exam venues. Take only the most important items with you, like your student card, driver’s licence, and a little cash.
• After writing exams, ensure that you leave with all your belongings. No bags or stationery should be left on campus. Should you forget your bag please check for it at the Lost and Found storeroom, Admin Building, Hatfield Campus.
• If you’re living in residence or on your own, communicate regularly with your parents, family, and friends, so they know where you are if you need to be found. Keep the contact details of your friends or roommates at hand. 
• Stay alert when withdrawing money from an ATM. Focus, and don’t get distracted or accept help from a stranger. If you experience a potential risk at an ATM, find another cash machine to use. If possible, don’t carry large amounts of money.

To ensure the safety of our students while on campus, various security measures are in place for your protection. Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/JGjmLnVMy74

Should students ever find themselves in need of help we encourage you to please contact our emergency number, which can be found on the back of your student access card: 012-420-2310/2760 or 083-654-0476, or our tollfree number 0800-006-428.

Safety tips pertaining to cell phones

• Conceal your cell phones when frequenting public places.
• Know your IEMI (Serial) number. Press *#06# on your cell to obtain your IEMI number. (Less than 2% of cell phone users know this number)
• Should your cell phone be stolen or robbed you will need to supply this IEMI number to your service provider to obtain an ITC blacklisting number.(Your service provider will within 1 to 24 hours supply you with the ITC blacklisting number) 
• Service provider’s numbers:

Cell C: 084 140 or 140 from a Cell C cell phone.

MTN: 083 1173 or 173 from a pre-paid or 808 from a contract cell phone.

Vodacom: 082 111 or 111 from a Vodacom cell phone.

• Armed with both the IEMI and ITC blacklisting number you will be able to report the theft/ robbery of your cell phone to the SAPS and obtain a police case number.
• Place your cell phone on silent and vibrate in public places only answering it when it is safe to do so.
• Keep your cell phone on your person at all times and do not give it to someone you do not know.

Safety Tips for staff and students in and around the University of Pretoria

• Make use of the Green Feet Safety Route available on the UP Hatfield campus between 18:00 and 06:00 weekdays.
• Parking at the Hatfield campus is a scarce commodity, utilize the parkings in Festival Street, Hilda Street, Herold Street, Lunnon Road, Engineering III Parkade as well as the Park and Ride from the LC de Villiers Sports Grounds.
• Do not speak to strangers; there are a number of scam artists that are good at what they do.
• Do not operate or listen to music on your cellular phone when walking in the streets.
• Do not hand your cellular phone to anyone you do not know, unless your life is threatened.
• Do not flash excessive amounts of money around. 
• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or watches in public.
• Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that allows one to walk quickly or even run if the situation warrants it.
• Don’t speak on you cell phone while walking in public as thieves and pickpockets’ target  persons that are distracted or concentrating on something else.
• Keep your wallet in a front pocket or place it deeply in a bag and not in a side pocket easily accessible for a thief. 
• Where possible walk in a group of at least two to three persons and double this number in the evenings.
• Be observant and aware of what is happening around you. Criminals often rely on an element of surprize and will target someone who appears aloof.
• Do not leave expensive items such as laptops or cellular phones without supervision.
• Should you Heaven forbid be involved in a robbery in or around the university as soon as it is safe to do so make alarm and draw attention. A greater chance exists that the perpetrators can be caught than if you walk in a calm fashion to the SAPS or Security allowing time for the perpetrators to make good their escape.   
• Never argue with an armed attacker. No earthly possession is worth your life!

Report any criminal incidents without delay to the department Security Services 24 hour Operational Management Centre at 012-420 2310 / 2760, 24 Hour Operational Manager 083 654 0476, 0800 0064 28. These numbers are on the reverse side of your student/ staff cards.