Security is a shared responsibility, and everyone at university – students, faculty, and administration – plays a critical role in creating a safer campus environment. From being familiar with any emergency procedures, or actively participating in campus safety initiatives, there are simple, actionable ways to ensure Cardiff university security remains a priority.

In this guide, we will cover general risks that may pose a threat to your campus security, and 5 tips that both staff and students can use to help improve your university’s safety.

What Risks Threaten Cardiff University Security?

Before you put any actions in place to prevent and deter crime, it is important to know what crime threatens Cardiff in general. In 2023, Cardiff was ranked as the most dangerous city in its region by CrimeRate. The title was not given in vain, as the city suffers from a crime rate of 118 crimes per 1,000 people, which makes it 41% higher than the regional crime rate, and 36% higher than the national rate.

Last year, there were a total of 46,744 reported offences in Cardiff. The most commonly committed crimes were violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour, and shoplifting. Together, the three crime categories accounted for 54.4% of all crimes reported in the city, according to crimesinmyarea.

For a full breakdown on the Cardiff crime rate, take a look at our article on Is Cardiff Safe?

How to Secure Your Cardiff University

1. Increase Awareness of Security Guidelines

Understanding and applying emergency procedures and protocols is one of the foundations of a creating a secure campus environment. Students and staff who are informed about what to do in the event of an incident can respond swiftly and alert the responsible authorities when they notice suspicious behaviour.

• For Students: Familiarise yourself with your university’s emergency contact numbers, emergency procedures, and any available safety apps or programs. This is an especially good habit to get into if you are new on campus. Awareness is your first line of defence.
• For Faculty: Take orientations and training sessions to get properly acquainted with what to do in the event of an emergency. Ensure that your Cardiff university security measures are up to scratch. Where possible, take, and offer, refresher courses so new and returning students and staff are kept up-to-date with the most recent information.

By raising awareness, this creates a community where each member feels safe and prepared to react accordingly in emergency situations.

2. Participate in Safety Training and Workshops

Regularly scheduled personal safety workshops and cybersecurity courses can encourage the building of skills that promote confidence in handling security risks. They also help to raise awareness of tell-tale signs and behaviours to look out for.

• For Students: In general, universities will often offer various safety workshops and emergency drills and procedures. These sessions and practices are the perfect way to stay alert and learn practical safety tips for staying safe both on and off campus.
• For Faculty: Schedule regular workshops for students and staff alike. Make certain sessions mandatory if they’re crucial, and provide them at easily accessible times to help encourage participation.

Training empowers people to recognise and feel encouraged to report or safely respond to threats, creating a safer campus community.

3. Encourage Incident Reporting

Open and accessible channels for reporting suspicious behaviour or security concerns are essential to actively addressing security issues.

• For Students: If you see something suspicious or unusual, don’t hesitate to report it through the appropriate channels. If you feel concerned about retribution or your own safety, use anonymous reporting options if available. This can help you to muster up the courage to make a report if you’re uncomfortable with providing your identity.
• For Faculty: Make sure your campus has accessible and well-known reporting tools, available both around campus and on the university’s website. Where possible, provide anonymous reporting options to encourage hesitant or fearful students to speak up about things they may have seen. It also helps to establish feedback methods to keep those who report security incidents informed about the actions taken. This reinforces their role in campus security, and makes them feel encouraged to report more, if they know it works.

By encouraging students and staff to report issues, it helps to strengthen your Cardiff university security with a more responsive community.

4. Improve Access Control Measures

In general, controlling access to campus buildings and facilities is an important step in safeguarding your Cardiff university security. Areas like student housing, important facilities or restricted zones should have secure access points that prevent anyone from entering without permission.

• For Students: Avoid leaving doors propped open or unlocked, no matter how brief you’re popping in and out of the area for. Be careful about letting anyone you don’t recognise follow you into more secure areas that might need permission. Lastly, it’s a good idea to report any broken locks or suspicious activity around important areas if you think something is wrong.
• For Faculty: Where possible, try and install more advanced access control, like areas that require a key card to access. Conduct routine checks on these systems to ensure they’re working as intended, and that no one is abusing them.

By improving campus access control, the likelihood of unauthorised individuals gaining access to critical campus spaces is significantly reduced.

5. Invest in Surveillance and Private Security

Visible security measures, like CCTV systems and security guards not only help to deter crime, but also provide reassurance to everyone on campus.

• For Students: Stick to well-lit or monitored areas, especially if it’s dark. If you notice any areas that have broken lights or security cameras that aren’t working, report them to the relevant authorities right away. Additionally, if you, or anyone you know sees suspicious behaviour or feels unsafe, report it to your nearest university security guard who can respond and resolve the situation.
• For Faculty: Invest in additional CCTV coverage and improve lighting in high-traffic locations. Key areas to do this in are parking lots, student accommodation, and campus entrances. Hiring university security guards can also be a more effective deterrent than CCTV, as they can actively respond to and resolve any emergency incidents that happen on campus. They can also perform regular patrols to ensure all areas are in working order.

An increased presence and visibility of physical security measures creates a safer, more comfortable campus environment and helps to discourage potential threats.

How Our Cardiff University Security Services Can Help

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• Surveillance and Monitoring: You can request that our guards set up and monitor your site through your existing surveillance systems. We use them to keep a constant eye on your premises, ensuring rapid response to any suspicious activity. And, if you don’t have your own CCTV monitoring systems, we can outsource CCTV towers for your site, where appropriate.

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Conclusion

Campus security is strongest when everyone at the university plays an active role. By increasing awareness, participating in training and workshops, and implementing security measures, you can contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all.

For the latest safety advice and expert guidance, take a look at our blog. There, you can find helpful articles such as the Top 5 Security Companies Cardiff and the Top 25 most Dangerous Areas in England and Wales.