OFFICE SECURITY 
                               POINTS TO REMEMBER
 

• NEVER LEAVE HANDBAGS OR WALLETS UNATTENDED
  Take them with you or lock them away.

• ALWAYS KEEP MONEY IN A SAFE PLACE
  Even if it is only a coffee fund, never leave it in an unlocked drawer. At night, put valuables in a safe or remove them from the building altogether.

• BE CAREFUL WITH KEYS
  Always put them in a safe place and don't put spare keys for safes etc. in desk drawers. Do not mark keys with the access location.

• FASTEN VULNERABLE WINDOWS IN YOUR ABSENCE
  It's easy to forget, particularly in the summer, and a thief can come and go in a couple of minutes.

• NEVER ASSUME A STRANGER WANDERING IN THE BUILDING IS A MEMBER OF THE STAFF OR A STUDENT
  Challenge him/her. Even "Can I help you?" will often deter the dishonest.

• DON'T JUST ACCEPT THAT A STRANGER IS AUTHORIZED TO BE IN THE BUILDING JUST  BECAUSE HE/SHE SAYS SO
  Check with someone in authority. If the stranger says they are from the Post Office or another University department, 
  someone in your office should be able to confirm. Never allow anyone to remove equipment from the office without checking first. 

• DON'T BE INTIMIDATED BY CALLERS
  Even if he/she does want to see the Managing Director, make sure he/she is known and expected. 

• NEVER LEAVE CALLERS ALONE IN YOUR OFFICE
  Use the telephone to inquire whether someone can see him/her. 

• DON'T DISCLOSE CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TO A STRANGER
  No matter how important he may seem, always report any such request for information to your supervisor. 

• DON'T ASSUME ALL PEOPLE ARE AS HONEST AS YOU 
  Protect your property and that of your employer.

       PREVENTION TIPS AGAINST ASSAULT

These prevention strategies are designed to provide you with an understanding of prevention and response tactics that you can use to enhance your personal safety.
    

DETECTION

• Offenders do not want to get caught. By increasing your visibility as a witnesses or by drawing attention to the offender, he/sh is less likely to carry out their plan. Awareness strategies and detection devices also fall within this category.

INTRUSION

• An assailant cannot assault you if he cannot get to you. These tactics involve securing your environment to deter the assailant's access to you. Keeping unwanted persons out of your home or vehicle by placing an obstacle between you and your attacker is an example of this principle.

ISOLATION

• Offenders are far more likely to attack you when you are alone. Research has revealed that 96% of assailants ALWAYS check to see if the intended victim is alone. The greater the likelihood that an assault will be witnessed or interrupted, the less likely it is that it will be initiated.

RESPONSE

• Responding is preferred over reaction. Response is accomplished by paying attention your surroundings. It involves locating and identifying potential dangers and responding with actions that are most likely to discourage or de-escalate risky situations.

REACTION

• Reaction involves immediate physical actions that are taken when you confirm that you are being profiled or assaulted.

 

            SAFETY AWAY FROM HOME

It is important to take extra care in securing your home when you are going to be away for any length of time. Not only should your home be secure, but it should also appear lived in.

                                          PREVENTION TIPS

• Secure all windows, doors and garage before you leave.
• Leave a radio playing to indicate that someone is home.
• Leave one or two lights on timers or light-sensitive devices.
• Discontinue mail, newspapers and other deliveries.
• Arrange to have someone pick up any flyers or mail that are left on your step.
• Leave a key with someone you trust.
• Let your neighbors know you're going to be away, for how long and where you can be contacted if necessary.