Safety and Security
Campus Security are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for staff, students and visitors. We are based in the University Library and are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We work hard to provide the best possible service to everyone within our campus community – we are also the out of hours contact for University issues.
Our team are responsible for managing and responding to all incidents and SafeZone activations across the University. We work alongside Cleveland Police Community Support Officers to provide safety and security advice to staff and students and to conduct regular high-visibility patrols on campus. All of our Security Officers are first aid trained.
What we do
Security
- High visibility foot patrols throughout the campus
- Monitor and operate the University’s comprehensive CCTV system
- Manage the University’s security control room
- Provide personal safety advice
- Monitor SafeZone
- Attend and deal with incidents as required
- Manage the University’s electronic access control system
- Work closely with the community police and neighbourhood safety teams
Car parking
- Ensure compliance with the University’s parking regulations
- Manage the operational car parking infrastructure
- Issue student, staff and visitors car parking permits
More about car parking
Safezone
We've joined up with Critical ARC to bring you SafeZone - a free app for staff and students that connects you to the University campus security team if you ever need first-aid or urgent help when you're on campus.
More about the SafeZone app
Stay safe on and off campus
Follow our useful hints and tips to stay safe.
Personal property
- Keep your bag close to you and with the opening turned towards you
- Keep your personal belongings such as mobile phones and laptops discreet
- Have your house keys ready so that you can open your front door quickly
- Mark your property with a UV pen or postcode stencil
- Use a keypad lock on your mobile phone
- Don't leave your personal property unattended
Personal safety through campus
- Only take the minimum number of bags or holdalls with you when moving through campus
- Take the shortest and most direct route
- Try to avoid listening to music on headphones or buds or using a mobile phone when walking through campus
- Contact the Safety and Security control room if you need an escort to your destination
- Report any suspicious persons or incidents to safety and security
Out and about
Top tips for when you are out and about
- Keep personal belongings secure such as keeping bags and pockets zipped up.
- Carry a charged mobile phone with you.
- Download Safezone, this is our dedicated on-campus app which connects you with campus security.
- Store emergency contacts on your phone or on paper.
- Be alert to your surroundings, concentrate on where you are going.
- You can report to any reception area to request help (between 9.00am-5.00pm Monday-Friday) or go to the Security Office on the ground floor of the library (24/7).
Accommodation
Here are some simple steps that you can take to keep yourself and personal belongings safe in your accommodation
- Make sure you keep windows and doors locked.
- Make sure that your valuable items are hidden in a safe place and not in view of windows or doors.
- Keep your keys secure, don’t give them out or post photos of them online.
- If you are in shared accommodation, take care when entering or leaving to make sure unauthorised people do not gain entry.
- Close your curtains when it gets dark to prevent onlookers.
Nights out
Have fun and stay safe with our tips below when you're on a night out
- Plan how you are getting home before going out.
- Stay together with friends throughout the night.
- Only use registered taxis, you can ask the driver to see their badge to verify.
- Use covers/stoppers for your drinks if available.
- Alert bar staff/security if you need help.
- Know your limits.
Travelling
Take a look at these tips for safe commuting
- Only use registered taxis, you can ask the driver to see their badge to verify.
- Know your route and make sure you are familiar with this before travelling.
- Keep to well-lit areas and travel with a friend if possible.
- Make sure to use secure car parks.
Cycle/vehicle security
- Store your bicycle inside your accommodation when it is not in use, do not leave it unsecured outside.
- When securing your bike, ensure that you use a D lock and a cable lock togethe
- Register to use the secure bike lockers
More about cycle/vehicle security
Safety at work
- Don’t leave any valuables unattended or in an unlocked drawer
- Lock your computer if you’re not using it
- Pull blinds closed at night
Staying safe online
Keep yourself and your personal information safe online with the following tips
- Avoid posting your location on social media in real time.
- Keep your personal details safe by changing your passwords regularly.
- Use strong passwords that will be hard for someone to guess.
- Make your social media accounts private so only friends can see your profile.
- Be mindful about who you speak to online and when sharing personal information.
Protecting your finances
Take a look at these quick tips to ensure you protect your money
- Think before you open links from suspicious emails or text messages. Do not enter personal information if you are unsure of the sender or the nature of the link.
- Create strong passwords using special characters and number for online banking accounts.
- It is important to remember that your bank will not ask you to transfer money into a “safe account”. If you have any suspicions about the sender/caller, politely let them know that you would like to verify who they are, hang up, and call customer services or visit a local branch.
Data protection
- Tear up or shred anything that has your personal details on
- Don’t give your personal details out to anybody over the telephone
- Keep your passwords safe and secure
- Cover your PIN number when using a cash machine
- Don't give your TUSC to anyone else
Fire safety
- Test your smoke alarm monthly.
- Turn off electrical items when not in use.
- Make sure you are aware of your closest fire exit.
- Take care when cooking with hot oil.
- Do not leave lit candles unattended.
Lost and found
Items of personal lost property found within the campus are forwarded to the security office. If we can we will make enquiries to locate the owner and return the items. Items are recorded and held for a maximum of 28 days. General lost property on campus is handled by the Student Life building. Contact Student Life if you have any lost or found items.
Other resources
Report an incident
Teesside University Campus is generally a very safe place. However if you need to report an incident please contact the campus security control room who will assist you.
If you think you are in immediate danger dial 999 and request an urgent police and/or medical response. You should do this when:
An offender is still present and you are in danger
You or anyone else is seriously hurt
You think the offender may return