Latest news and comment
Additional pressure on campus car parks (24/07/13)
Permit holders will have noticed that there has been additional pressure on the car parks recently, particularly the West Car Park.
There is an Open University residential school taking place on campus and OU students have been permitted to park in the East and West Car Parks until their residential school ends on Friday 16 August.
If standard permit holders are ever unable to find a space in their primary car park they may park in any of the other main car parks on campus.
There is usually more space available in the East and South Zone Car Parks.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause permit holders.
Construction work 3 East & Underdeck (11/07/13)
From 14/07/13 an area around 3 East and the Chaplaincy will be coned off to enable concrete repair work to the buildings and further work will be taking place in the Underdeck from 5W, Level 1. This work is due to continue for a period of 3-4 weeks.
During this time there will be a suspension of car parking in areas of the underdeck, including the Chaplaincy Centre bays 45-51A, Norwood House loading bay, areas near 5WL1, bays 1-4, the Wessex House loading bay and the disabled parking bays due to the erection of scaffolding.
Car parking suspension will also be in force for the Wessex House lay-by due to use by the scaffold contractors.
Updates to parking permit prices for the new permit year (09/07/13)
Please see the parking permits page for details of updated prices for the 2013/2014 permit year which will take effect from 1 August 2013.
Security's parking team will be completing the annual bulk renewal of staff permits in the week commencing Monday 15 July, and aim to have all permits delivered to departments in the internal mail by the end of the following week (Friday 26 July).
Members of staff who wish to update their vehicle details or their permit type before the new permits are issued should do so by emailing Security's parking team.
Postgraduates, eligible undergraduates and non-staff who wish to renew their parking permits may do so at the Parking Office or the University Reception desk from the week commencing Monday 22 July. Students can visit the parking permits page for a reminder of the documentation/evidence required when renewing.
Death of Fred Bratgard (01/07/13)
Fred Bratgard was a member of the Security Services for many years, he was in charge of car parking and CCTV systems and many of you will remember him when dealing with your parking permit requests. Sadly, Fred passed away last week and Jacqui his wife, who used to work in Physics and the Faculty of Science Finance Office, informs those that may wish to attend a celebration of Fred's life that the service will be at Canford Crematorium,Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 3PQ on Thursday 11 July at 3.00pm and afterwards at 56 Downs Park East, BS6 7QE (for the sort of celebration which Fred would approve of and enjoy). Family flowers only please. Donations to Cancer Research (don't forget Gift Aid). All are welcome. Bright colours only please - no black.
Closure of East Car Park extension on Saturday 6 July 2013 (26/06/13)
The East Car Park Pay & Display extension area will be closed for the day on Saturday 6 July 2013. This is to enable the completion of contractual work to the lighting facilities.
Pay & Display machine moves (21/06/2013)
To facilitate the construction of the new student accommodation building, 3 Pay & Display machines in the permit holder sections of East Car Park have been moved to new locations.
The following plan of East Car Park shows the new locations of the machines in yellow.
Richard Law's retirement (13/05/2013)
Richard Law has been a member of security staff for many years and was appointed as the University Security Manager over a decade ago, during
this time he has been involved in many changes within the Department and also across the University Campus generally. Richard has decided it is
time to take early retirement and will leave the University on 31st May; in order to celebrate this special occasion friends and colleagues are invited to gather in the Claverton Rooms between 1500-1700hrs on Thursday 30th May to wish him well in his retirement. Can those who wish to attend and have not already indicated the fact RSVP to Brian Schofield in order that catering numbers can be arranged. A farewell card and collection is available at the Security/Reception Desk at the Library entrance if you would like to add a message. Thank you.
Secure cycle storage (09/05/2013)
The University of Bath in Partnership with B&NES have been investing in the installation of new secure cycle storage for students and staff; in the 'drive' to encourage staff and students to abandon their cars in favour of 'greener' forms of transport the University Security Services have not only introduced the recently advertised electric cycle scheme, details of which can be found on their website, but with the assistance of the Department of Estates have installed a number of secure cycle storage facilities in and around the student accommodation and close to academic buildings. These new shelters are accessed electronically with the use of the University Library/access control cards. Staff and students wishing to access the facilities near the academic buildings should email the University Receptionists security-reception@rt.bath.ac.uk and those students wishing to access the shelters around student accommodation should contact the Senior Resident Tutor.
Continued Professional Development (07/05/13)
Staff within the Security Services Department are being continually encouraged to develop themselves in their roles within the University.
Currently eight staff are half way through a six month City and Guilds level 3 Security Operations course [Charlotte Daniels, Richard Dyer, Jude Haw, Dave Jones, Tony MacFarlane, Adam McGreevy, Ian Lewis and James Paradise] whilst a further two have already successfully completed the first year of a BSc (Hons) Risk and Security Management course at Portsmouth University [Paul Johnson and Ev Walker], a further officer has just completed a scene of crime preservation course and also passed a language examination in Mandarin in order that he can converse with some of the international students [Chris Ettle]. All staff have recently been re-certificated in conflict management skills and were re-licensed accordingly under the Security Industry Authority scheme as well as other courses relevant to the role. The Head of Security Services, Brian Schofield, commented that "Staff are our most valuable asset and it is important to ensure that they are encouraged to continually develop and stretch themselves in order to offer a professional service to all our customers".
Rogue traders (10/04/13)
During the week commencing Monday 22 April 2013 there is a national week of action aimed at tackling Rogue Traders and the Avon and Somerset Police have various activities planned throughout the week.
One of the activities the police are planning is the utilisation of HERMES equipment; HERMES is a small laptop computer with hand held scanner which, in a simple and fast way, will register large volumes of any personal property with a bar code. Other property without bar codes such as laptops, televisions, bikes, mobiles have serial numbers which can be typed into the computer.
PC Nick Sheppard is the Beat Manager for Bathwick area and together with his team will be bringing the HERMES equipment to the University on Monday 22 April 2013; the Students' Union has kindly offered to host this activity in the Student Centre. Nick will be there between 1pm and 5pm, he invites staff and students to bring their valuable property to him for recording of identification details which will be entered into a national database to facilitate return of the property should it be lost or stolen at any time in the future.
East Car Park partial closure and new car park opens (21/03/13)
From Saturday 23 March 2013 a section in the north of the East Car Park (see map) will be permanently closed so that work can commence on the construction of the new student accommodation complex.
The remaining sections of the East Car Park will be changed to permit holder use only.
The new extension car park will be for the use of visitors to the University who wish to use the Pay & Display facilities, although permit holders are permitted to also park in the Pay & Display car parks provided they are displaying a valid permit.
The car park can be accessed by driving to the south-east end of the East Car Park and turning right through the open gates.
It should be noted that the some of the lighting and signage in the new extension car park has yet to be installed.
There are 3 new Pay & Display machines in the extension car park.
Charges will remain the same but payment can now also be made by credit/debit card as well as cash at the 3 machines in this car park only.
The 3 machines in the Pay & Display sections of South Zone car parks A and G will also be converted shortly to enable them to take credit/debit card payments as well as cash.
Beat surgery - register details of your electronic valuables (15/02/13)
In our news item below about police presence on campus there is mention of Zoe Knowles holding a series of Beat Surgeries. We can now tell you that Zoe, together with Jenny Dean the Community Liaison Coordinator, is holding a surgery on level 3 of the Student Centre between 3pm and 5pm on Thursday 21 February.
The main purpose of the surgery is to register details of students' electronic devices so that the owners can be traced should they lose their property or, worse still, have it stolen from them! The property details will be registered with 'Immobilise', a National Property Register which has the support of police forces and the Home Office; it is a free of charge service and both Zoe and Jennie will be pleased to see members of staff attending the surgery.
Police presence on campus (07/02/13)
Exciting News! The University of Bath campus, being the single, largest establishment on the south side of Bath, has attracted the eye of the local police who have been seeking an appropriate location in which to place an out-station. The Security Department has arranged for them to share some facilities and the University now hosts a police out-station at which police officers can report for duty, complete reports and be placed right in the heart of our community!
Beat Manager, PC Nick Shepherd, together with the assistance of PCSOs Mike Simmonds and Zoe Knowles, is keen to become involved at the university and plans to liaise closely with the Security Department. Zoe, a graduate herself, (although not from the University of Bath) plans to conduct a series of 'Beat Surgeries' in conjunction with the Students' Union and identifies them as being an important part of her role. The surgeries will be publicised by the Students' Union and all staff and students are welcome to attend them.
So don't be surprised when you see police officers walking around the campus, introduce yourselves and have a chat with them, they will be pleased to speak to you!
Electric Cycle Scheme (23/01/13)
In an effort to encourage staff and students living off campus to use ‘greener’ forms of transport, the University of Bath Security Department [with support from B&NES] will commence a project on 1 March 2013 whereby they will loan an electric cycle for a period of one or two weeks, depending on the demand. The intention is that riders will evaluate whether such a mode of transport is a viable alternative option to driving to work/study.
Cycles will be supplied with a safety helmet, high visibility tabard and ‘Sold Secure’ locking device which must be used when the cycle is being left unattended; although the loan is free of charge a £50 refundable deposit will be required as a contribution for any damage caused. Further details are available on the Security Department's Cycling pages.
Closure of Quarry Road over Christmas (19/12/12)
In pursuit of enhancing the security of the campus over the Christmas period when the University is closed, Quarry Road will be shut to vehicular traffic between its junction with North Road and its junction with the exit from West car park.
The road closure comprising cones, barriers and signs will be effective from 23:59 on Sunday 23 December 2012 to 03:30 on Wednesday 2 January 2013.
Mobile phone thefts (21/11/12)
Avon & Somerset Police have advised of targeted mobile phone thefts at venues in Bath, in particular from nightclubs and bars, phones being taken from pockets and bags. Precautionary measures include attaching your phone to your belt or taking an inexpensive phone out with you for evening events. Please be alert to this.
Bath recognised as a safe University city (25/09/12)
The City of Bath has been rated the safest in a league table of University cities in England and Wales. The Complete University Guide compiled the league table by comparing crime statistics for University cities, and also ranked Bath no. 1 in 2011.
More details are available on the The Complete University Guide's website.
Charging points for electrically powered motorcycles/scooters (10/09/12)
Did you know that in the under-deck there are charging points for electrically-powered motorcycles? They appear as small grey boxes, and are located at the Wessex House end of the under-deck.
If you have an electrically-powered motorcycle or scooter you can plug into any of the points to charge your vehicle whilst you are at work. Currently there is no cost to you for using them but the vehicles should be registered ‘free of charge’ with Security using the motorcycle registration form.
The installation was the idea of a student who owns an electric motorcycle and had seen the charging points for cars in the East Car Park; it seemed like a good idea to us and a natural extension to the car charging points and to encourage a reduction in the University’s carbon footprint.
Electrically powered motorcycles and scooters are becoming cheaper and more popular as time goes by – we look forward to seeing the points in use.
Charity Jubilympics event (18/08/12)
Another successful annual summer Accommodation Hospitality and Security staff event was enjoyed by all recently, and this year we raised a whopping £420. The Jubilympics included bunting-decked stalls and teams competing in fun games, such as dressing up and egg and spoon races. The Security team G4G - Going for Gold's spirited performance claimed second place, narrowly missing first prize of gold membership to the STV.
Our nominated charity this year was Jamie's Farm, who were delighted with the extra funds to help provide farm breaks with therapy for disadvantaged city children, helping them flourish in education, at home and in the community. The farm's produce stall displaying jams and chutneys made by the children sold out completely.
Security staff celebrate after the final summer 2012 graduation ceremony (17/07/12)
Electric vehicle charging (24/05/12)
Three electric vehicle charging points have been installed in East Car Park, please see the electric vehicle charging page for details of how to use the points and how to obtain an Electric Vehicle parking permit.
Updates to parking permit prices for the new permit year (23/05/12)
Please see the parking permits page for details of updated prices and categories for the 2012/2013 permit year which will take effect from 01/08/12.
Hi-fi fraudsters target students (30/04/12)
At this time of the year it is not uncommon for fraudsters, usually in a van which they drive around the residences, to come to the campus and try to sell students hi-fi speakers. The speakers appear to be of good quality and on the face of it the transaction seems to be reasonable.
HOWEVER BE WARNED that when the boxes containing the speakers are later opened by the purchaser, they are found to contain a vastly inferior quality speaker to that which the student agreed to buy.
Security's advice is NEVER buy such items from someone selling them around campus, but do your shopping from retail outlets or the internet.
Police warning of theft from student accommodation (03/04/12)
Unfortunately, in recent weeks, there have been a number of occasions where student accommodation, both on and off campus, has been targeted and where laptops and other valuables have been stolen. Entry is usually gained via insecure ground floor windows.
University Security staff are requesting that students mark and register their property with their post codes and house numbers/names and ensure that windows are kept secure. Please see Security's personal property page for more details.
Bath Police are asking for students to be extra vigilant and to keep valuables out of sight.
If anyone has any questions, please contact PC 2952 Brain on the general Police number 101.
Buildings and offices with Library card access (19/12/11)
The Vice Chancellor has announced that the University will close at 1pm on Friday 23rd December.
In order to maintain a secure environment for staff and students, card access readers that are set to 'free access' during office hours on weekdays will revert to 'card access only' at 1pm, and will remain this way until the University reopens on Tuesday 3rd January.
Please ensure you carry your Library card with you if you plan to work later than 1pm on Friday in these areas. In case of difficulty please contact Security staff on 01225 38(5349).
Investors in People Bronze Award (30/10/11)
The Security Department has now achieved the Investors in People Bronze Award. Security Services were reviewed for the first time as a separate entity, which revealed the many good practices in existence. The assessor commended the positive atmosphere and a team committed to the service’s ethos. His comments included:
“The role of the Security Officer has had to adapt from being purely security to one of customer service and looking out for the welfare of students.”
“One recurring theme of the review was the approachability of management and senior management’s open door policy. People know what they have to do to be valued, recognised and rewarded. For many the job, the nature of the work and the people they work with are rewards in themselves.”
Secured Environments Award (07/10/11)
Security are proud to announce that we have received this national security award for 2011.
To achieve this award the organisation must prove it has adopted six key principles for protecting against crime:
- Commitment to create a secure environment
- Understand the problem
- Develop a response
- Manage the response
- Implement the response/solution
- Evaluate the response
Three years ago the University of Bath was the first in the country to be awarded the 'Secured Environments' accolade under this police certification scheme. The Security Department's commitment to ensuring that the University is safe and secure for all staff and students has again had national recognition.
Liftshare Week (03/10/11)
3rd-7th October is Liftshare Week. Please visit the University's transport pages for details of the possible savings that can be made and to register your journey in order to find someone to travel with.
Please also see Security's car sharing page for information regarding the Car Share Permit. This type of parking permit enables the members of your car sharing group to share the cost of a permit and to park in any of the 12 desginated Car Share bays located in the East and West car parks.
Parking permit renewals (15/07/11)
Please see the parking permits page for details of updated prices and categories for the permit year commencing 01/08/2011.
Occasional User permits and standard permits for members of staff paying by salary deduction have already been renewed and sent out in the internal mail. These will be distributed by departmental administration staff.
Other permit holders may now renew their permits at the Parking Office or University Reception.
Property marking (14/07/11)
Over the next 3 years the University of Bath Security Department will be working in partnership with SelectaMark , a property marking company and the local Police to encourage students to mark their property with 'SelectaDNA' and similar products prior to coming to the University.
The 'SelectaDNA' product registers the property to the owner and allows the University and Police to readily identify lost or stolen recovered property and return it to the rightful owner. The invisible marking contains uniquely numbered microdots visible using a microscope. The Head of Security Services, Brian Schofield, says:
"It is hoped that students will take personal responsibility in marking their property with 'SelectaDNA' which is anticipated will reduce the number of crimes as well as fear of crime in the University community. Details of products will be available via a newsletter and website link sent to all new students on campus."
Personal safety for students (18/02/11)
Security Officer Tim Leach, a qualified self defence instructor, joined up with the Students' Union members as part of their 'THINK' week of activities.
Tim gave students examples of how to recognise the dangers when out and about in the City at night; how to become more aware of their surroundings and techniques for remaining safe in challenging situations.
The demonstration was well received by all students but was particularly focused on the personal safety of female students, giving them the top ten tips and practical demonstrations.
Electrical goods scam (09/02/11)
A male driving a blue van has been on campus this week offering to sell electrical items at ‘knock down’ prices. Two students paid £200 for what they were told was a high-quality hi-fi only to discover that the box did not contain the item the male had described.
Don’t become a victim; if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Please contact Security on 01225 38 5349 if you are approached in this way or witness any suspicious activity.
Cycle Secure (03/02/11)
There is a significant number of insecure bicycles being left unattended on the campus and over a period of years thieves have stolen some by using different methods.
Efforts to reduce the theft of bicycles include crime reduction measures, such as the issue of Security Department shackles against a returnable deposit (see Bicycle Security page for details). That initiative has proven worthwhile and since it was introduced no bicycles secured with Security issued D shackles have been stolen. Despite efforts to raise the profile of that scheme there are still bicycles being left unsecured in bicycle racks or secured only with curly wire locks.
The purpose of this scheme is to locate insecure bicycles (those without any locking devices) and secure them with a Security Department shackle which has a laminated information sheet attached to it informing the rider that they will have to come to Security to have the shackle removed. Arrangements will be made to remove the shackle and inform the bicycle owner of the Security Shackle Scheme.
Park Mark (14/01/11)
The 'Park Mark' assessors, a member of the British Car Park Association and two Police Officers representing the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) attended the University to check and assess the car parks and ensure that we are maintaining the exacting standards of safety and security that allowed them to grant the University the 'Park Mark' ACPO accreditation last year.
The assessors were impressed with the low crime figures and proactive use of CCTV and ANPR. The award was granted for a further 12 months.
For information regarding the 'Park Mark Safer Parking' scheme please see the official website.
Car sharing (13/01/11)
Please see the Car Sharing page for details of our Car Share Permit scheme, as well as information regarding the designated Car Share spaces located in the East and West car parks.
New University Receptionist (13/01/11)
Viki Hess will be joining the Security Services on 24th January as a receptionist working at the University Reception desk in the Library.
University car parking (17/08/10)
It will not have escaped the notice of drivers coming onto the Campus that the car parks have contained many building contractors' vehicles in addition to those of University staff.
To add to the pressure on the car parks over the next 3 weeks the University will be hosting the following:
- British Transplant Games (19/08/2010 - 23/08/2010)
- British Paralympic Association Training Camp (25/08/2010 - 30/08/2010)
- The return of Monicker Pictures to complete their filming schedule (29/08/2010 - 10/09/2010)
These commitments will entail reserving spaces in the East Car Park for athletes, organisers and crew together with film set facility vehicles.
If drivers are unable to park in their 'normal' location can they please seek a space in an alternative location or car park, avoiding reserved and accessible parking spaces, yellow lines, etc. Permit holders are permitted to park in Pay & Display areas.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this particularly busy time.
Updates to parking permit prices for the new permit year (28/07/10)
Please see the Parking Permits page for details of updated prices and categories for the permit year commencing 01/08/2010. Most notable is the increase in the Occasional User permit validation price from £1.00 to £1.10 per day.
Cyclists urged to help tackle biggest cycling safety mystery (09/07/10)
The West of England Road Safety Partnership, is urging cyclists to help find out more about what causes ‘non-collision cycling incidents’.
The vast majority of non-collision incidents are mere inconveniences that may not lead to injury at all, but in England last year, 8,540 cyclists were admitted to a hospital bed in an emergency following a non-collision incident – more than four times more than all those knocked off their bikes by cars, pick up trucks, vans lorries and buses (http://www.hesonline.nhs.uk/).
Non-collision incidents are probably caused by all sorts of things: slipping on ice, hitting potholes, bad bike maintenance, getting clothing caught, doing tricks and even riding under the influence of alcohol are all possible causes. But because the police are rarely involved, we know little about the pattern of incidents and injuries that result. However, since they do not involve anybody else, the cyclist is more in control of the events that lead to these incidents. If we can raise awareness of the biggest causes, we can reduce the numbers of injuries.
NHS Bristol are urging people with experience of a non-collision incident, no matter how trivial or serious, to log onto http://www.betterbybike.info/non-collision-incidents and tell us more about it.
Police arrest man in connection with attempted kidnap (17/05/10)
Police in Bath have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with two attempted abductions in Combe Down.
Shaun Watts, of Springfield Crescent, Radstock appeared before Bath magistrates today (17 May) faced with one charge of attempted kidnap.
It follows two incidents that may be linked on Friday, April 30 in the Combe Down area of the city.
Police in Bath have advised women to always follow simple safety advice, particularly about walking alone at night.
DI Andy Gwyther, investigating the incidents, said: "Our advice is that women, where possible, should not walk alone after dark.
"Always be alert, don't talk to strangers and never get into a stranger's car. If you are approached, call the police immediately."
Police contacted Bath's two universities to pass on the safety tips.
Safety advice for female students after two incidents (04/05/10)
Police in Bath are advising women to follow simple safety advice, particularly about walking alone at night.
It follows two incidents that may be linked on Friday, April 30 in the Combe Down area of the city.
At around 11.20pm a 22-year-old student was walking home alone along North Road, by Oxford Place when a man in a red saloon car stopped to talk to her. He tried to entice her into the car, but she hit him with her bag and ran off.
A short time later in nearby Bradford Road, another Bath University student, a 19-year-old woman walking alone, was stopped by a man in a red or burgundy car. He asked her for directions and opened his passenger door as if to invite her to get in, but she walked off and called the police.
DI Andy Gwyther, investigating the incidents, said: "These women did exactly the right thing in the circumstances.
"Our advice is that women, where possible, should not walk alone after dark. Always be alert, don't talk to strangers and never get into a stranger's car. If you are approached, call the police immediately."
"We believe these two incidents in Combe Down could be linked and we are treating them seriously."
Police have contacted Bath's two universities to pass on the safety tips.
They've issued a description of the man thought to be involved in both Friday incidents.
He is white, in his mid-20s with short dark hair possibly shaved at the sides. He is about 6ft tall and of medium to large build.
Anyone with information is asked to call Bath police on 0845 456 7000. Or call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org We never ask for your name or trace your call.
BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat – More young people 'scammed' online (16/04/10)
Please read Newsbeat's article for information about an online housing scam that has conned thousands of pounds out of students and young people.
4 West (10/04/10)
The new 4 West building was occupied on Wednesday 7th April for the first time. The building has been designed with security in mind and contains strategically placed cameras together with electronic access control on many of the entry/exit and internal doors thus allowing for security compartmentalisation as and when it is required.
Generally the building will be on free access between the hours of 0800-2000hrs Monday to Friday and card access outside of those times. There are exceptions with some doors which will be card access 24/7 e.g. the doors leading from the Claverton Rooms and Wessex House.
Road safety request (15/03/10)
In order to maintain good relationships with the neighbours of the University of Bath regular meetings are held between representatives of the local residents, ward councillors and senior members of University staff.
Many issues of interest and concern are discussed including that of traffic volumes and road safety; the residents of Claverton Village have, in the past, requested support from the University in lobbying for a reduced speed limit on the A36 through the village; in view of the fact that many of our staff use Claverton Hill when leaving the University and accepting entering the A36 was difficult the University were happy to support their campaign.
At a recent meeting of the forum the excessive speed of vehicles travelling down the Claverton Hill particularly between the hours 5 - 6 pm was raised as it was felt their were issues of safety for both pedestrians and other car drivers; a number of minor accidents have also been witnessed. It is requested that all staff and students that use that route ensure that they maintain a sensible speed and are in a position to stop safely should the need arise.
Motorcycle parking (15/03/10)
We have had late notice about the furniture delivery for 4 West commencing on Monday 15th March; the trucks will off load in the West Car Park and the furniture will be conveyed to the motor cycle parking bay in the underdeck where it will be stored for a short time before being moved into 4 West.
This delivery will take 2/3 weeks and therefore the bays in the underdeck opposite the new 2 West concrete refuse store will not be unavailable for that period.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience.
Keeping your possessions safe and secure (15/02/10)
Following a couple of recent burglaries from unattended ground floor student bedrooms on campus, University security staff are reminding students to take a few simple precautions to keep their property safe.
Safety tips include:
- Thieves expect you to have a laptop, an MP3 player, mobile phone or other pieces of valuable electrical equipment in your room so don’t tempt them by leaving them on display so they can be seen through the window.
- Close your curtains if you intend to leave your room for any length of time.
- Never leave your window ajar if you are going to be out of your room, even if you only intend to be out for a short while.
- Always lock your bedroom door when you leave your room.
- Don’t let strangers into your residence if they knock on the door and ask for someone else – check with that person first.
- Immediately report sightings of any strangers around the accommodation, whether inside or out, to Security using the 24 hour emergency number 01225 383999.
- Talking of that number – why not put it in your mobile as a quick dial – you never know when you might need it.
- Remember the Security Department is here to help you make the most of your time at Bath and the team is always delighted to give you further practical advice. Pop into the library at any time for a chat about property or personal security.
“In the meantime we can all do our bit to ensure that our campus is as safe as possible for all.”
Staff are also being reminded to take simple precautions to help keep the campus crime free.
“For staff, making sure you don’t leave any valuables on display in your car and always locking your office when you leave it are just two simple steps which can stop opportunist thieves,” said Brian Schofield, Head of Security Services.
Car park award (04/01/10)
In December 2009 the University of Bath car parks were assessed by the Police and British Car Park Association representatives and accredited with the `Park Mark' Safer Parking award. There are various elements of the award including low crime levels, clear road signage, continuous use of CCTV cameras, regular car park patrols, suitable lighting and the management of personal safety.
Safer Parking Scheme
The Safer Parking Scheme is an initiative of the Association of Chief
Police Officers (ACPO) aimed at reducing crime and the fear of crime in
parking facilities. The Safer Parking status, Park Mark®, is awarded to
parking facilities that have met the requirements of a risk assessment
conducted by the Police. These requirements mean the parking operator
has put in place measures that help to deter criminal activity and
anti-social behaviour, thereby doing everything they can to prevent
crime and reduce the fear of crime in their parking facility. Customers
using a Park Mark® Safer Parking facility can be confident that the area
has been vetted by the Police and that measures are in place to create a
safe environment.
Car parking on the campus (30/10/09)
The University of Bath has introduced civil penalty notices to the campus for drivers who park in contravention of the regulations, this is an alternative to immobilising vehicles. Those notices will be issued by either the University's Security Officers or Parking Wardens and not by outside contractors. It has become clear that some members of the University believe the issuing of such tickets will be conducted by a contracted company - this is not the case. The confusion may have arisen from the fact that a company trading as the ‘Car Parking Partnership’ will be dealing with the back of house operation i.e. collection of monies from any tickets issued and appeals.
The campus is very busy with cars and sometimes when major events occur it is necessary for the Security Department to park cars on double yellow lines or on playing fields. Drivers should be warned that they may only park in contravention of the regulations when they have been given explicit consent or direction by a Security Officer or Parking Warden; if car parks are full it will not be acceptable to park on a double yellow line just because it was allowed the previous day.
Drivers are warned that the tariff of Civil Penalty Notices is set at £60 if paid within 30 days but reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days.
For more information please see the car parking Regulations, Conditions and Sanctions.
Students/staff beware (23/10/09)
An email has been circulating to members of the University community inviting the recipients to become a 'secret/mystery shopper' to test the service provided by a certain financial institution; if you agree you may be sent forged cheques to cash with a request to deposit the cash into an account stipulated by the email sender. You will receive a fee for completing the transaction.
Cashing forged cheques is a criminal offence and could lead to your arrest and detention.
Be warned.
Property marking initiative (16/10/09)
In a unique and novel way the local police, students from King Edwards School and the University of Bath Security Services joined together to organise a crime reduction initiative in which University of Bath students were able to have their personal items of value invisibly marked with their postcodes.
Nick Sheppard, the local police Beat Manager for the University of Bath came to the campus with some of his colleagues and students from King Edwards School who, together with a member of staff, had been trained in the process of marking laptops, mobile phones, iPods and other items of value. The markings made on the items were also recorded so that in the event that any of the marked property is stolen and later recovered by the police, the owner will be traceable.
Trade was brisk as some officers set up in the Plug Bar – our thanks to the SU - and other officers moved around the campus and in the Library asking students if they had property of value which needed to be marked.
It was a win-win for all as the police were delighted with the response they received, the KES’s students all enjoyed a community experience which included a valuable visit to a higher education establishment and the University students had their property marked.
PC Sheppard is looking forwards to repeating the exercise in the near future.
Safety of cyclists and pedestrians (13/10/09)
Security Services staff have received a number of calls about the personal safety of both cyclists and pedestrians on the roads and footpaths around the Campus.
In order to ensure that all our students, staff and visitors remain safe can all cyclists ensure that when using shared paths with pedestrians they keep their speed down and give way to pedestrians when the need arises. A plea is also made to drivers of vehicles that, when overtaking, they give cyclists at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car. "You know it makes sense".
ParkingPlus scheme (14/09/09)
Although the price of a University parking permit will increase on 1st November 2009 the actual cost to the majority of staff will decrease because of the new salary sacrifice scheme called ParkingPlus. To find out more please see the dedicated ParkingPlus pages.
Car park changes (07/09/09)
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New Pay & Display ticket machines have been installed in several car parks around the campus; the new machines have replaced ageing technology and also provide the University with the ability to include a card payment function in future if the need arises.
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Following discussion with the Transport Strategy Consultative Group (TSCG) and approval from the Vice-Chancellor’s Group (VCG), the Pay & Display display charges are increasing from 05.10.09 for the first time in over 5 years. The cost of parking will be £1.00 per hour which remains one of the most competitive charges in the City of Bath. This increase has no effect on the payment of staff and student permit prices but will affect visitors to the campus, where a permit has not been arranged for them.
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An additional sanction of issuing a ‘Civil Penalty Notice’ (CPN) will be available to Security Services staff for drivers who fail to park correctly or park contrary to the parking regulations e.g. without a Pay & Display ticket or permit. This has been approved by the VCG, following lengthy consideration and discussion with the TSCG; an amendment to the Regulations for Students has been approved by Senate. This will help to ensure that those who have permits have space to park and will reduce the various issues for Security staff and users that have arisen from relying principally on immobilising vehicles. The new scheme will be introduced from the beginning of October and will give the offending driver the opportunity to pay the £60 penalty (reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days), instead of paying a clamp release fee. The Civil Penalty Notices will only be issued by Security Services staff under guidance from the Head of Security Services; the payment collection and appeals process will be managed by an external contractor, ‘The Car Parking Partnership’, which also manages similar schemes at other Universities around the country. Vehicle immobilisation will still be an option for persistent or serious offenders and the release fee will be increased to £80. Further details can be found in Security's Regulations, Conditions and Sanctions.
These changes are all prompted by a desire to ensure that the car parks serve the University community effectively. They address an increasing pattern of abuse by those without permits which compromises safety and has resulted in unfairness. All income generated from car parking will continue to be directed to the car parking fund, which is used to improve the roads and car parks. If you have any queries about these changes, please contact Brian Schofield, Head of Security Services.
Security Office update (26/03/09)
The University Reception and front of house security functions are situated in the Library Foyer (level 2); the Security Office in Wessex House (level 2) is now permanently closed.
The following lists should assist staff and students identifying areas of responsibility:
Security Desk (Library level 2)
Staff at the Library Security Desk will deal with:-
- Car parking - enquiries
- Cycle locks - issue and redemption
- Enquiries - general personal
- Keys - daily deposit and collection
- Hire vehicles - documentation and key holding
- Lost/found property - deposit and redemption
- Mail/post - receipt of Security post and mail
- Out of hours services - car park permits, access control and accommodation key issue and registration
University Reception (Library level 2)
(Normal opening times 0800-1800 Monday to Friday)
Staff at the University Reception Desk will deal with:-
- Car parking - permit issuing and editing
- Personal enquiries - from University visitors
- Point of contact - for University visitors
- Telephone enquiries
- Lost/found property - deposit and redemption
Access Control and Car Parking Office (Wessex House 2.20)
(Normal opening times 0930-1700 Monday to Friday)
Staff at the Access Control and Car Parking Office deal with:-
- Car parking - permits and payment
- Clamp release - administration
- Electronic access control - enquiries
Security Control Room
Staff at the Security Control Room will deal with:-
- Matters pertaining to alarms
- Telephone calls on ext. 5349 and 666 (emergency calls)
- Collection of student sports equipment
Security changes (13/03/09)
In order to facilitate the construction of a new café/restaurant on The Parade between Wessex House and 4W, the Security Department is vacating the WH security office; the Department has taken the opportunity to restructure security services and ‘front of house’ operations.
The following changes have or will be taking place in the very near future (March/April 2009):
- The Security staff facilities have moved to 5W level 1.
- The main ‘front of house’ enquiries are being dealt with at the Library security desk.
- Two new part time University Receptionists (Katrina and Lindsay) have been employed to act as a key point for all visitors and assist with the additional Security workload in the Library.
- The Parking/Access Control queries will now be dealt with in Wessex House 2.20 (Richard Law’s old office)
- Richard Law and the new Security Control Room will move to Wessex House 1.3 which is situated immediately below the old Security Office on the Parade.
Keep a knockin’ but you can't come in
The installation of Access Control technology, utilising the Library Card issued to all new staff and students is gradually replacing the old fashioned keys, locks and bolts previously used to gain access to and secure both residential and academic buildings.
The siting of electronic card readers at various doors around the campus is becoming more common and will continue to be so on into the future as 24 hour access combined with increased security awareness is recognised as an essential pre-requisite when promoting the University as a safe place to both learn and work.
If your department has not yet considered the installation of Access Control equipment contact: Milton Janovitz, Integrated Security Coordinator on extension 4982 for further details and to arrange a site visit.
Thefts from the Sports Training Village (27/01/09)
Despite additional security and Police patrols; poster campaigns and awareness raising, thefts from the changing rooms at the STV continue to cause problems and inconvenience to victims.
Whenever you attend the STV and use the changing rooms ensure that you do not leave valuables unattended in changing rooms; mobile ‘phones, iPods and cash are regularly taken.
What can you do?
- Make use of the lockers provided to secure items from the prying eyes of thieves.
- If you see anything suspicious immediately inform the nearest staff member or ‘phone security on 01225-38-3999
Crime statistics (12/01/09)
The statistics for all crimes committed within the University during 2008 have now been compiled and we are delighted to announce that the total of crimes was 155, a significant reduction from the 2007 total of 192.
Typically such reductions are the result of us all paying attention to the security of our offices, rooms and personal belongings – well done to all!
Remember – if you are suspicious of something, report it to Security.
New Beat Manager (12/01/09)
Bath Police have appointed a new Beat Manager to the Bathwick area which includes the University.
PC Simon Glanfield is keen to make a difference, he will be coming to the University frequently and calling on different departments to introduce himself
STAY SAFE during the dark winter months (17/12/08)
STAY SAFE during the dark winter months, follow this simple advice:-
- Don't walk alone - be aware of your surroundings and not listening to your MP3 or chatting on the 'phone
- Carry a personal safety alarm*
- Remain in well lit areas and don't take dark short cuts
- Walk confidently and beware of strangers attempting to start a conversation
- If possible take a taxi and share the cost with your friends
- Report anything suspicious to the Police on '999' or if on campus to Security on '01225-383999' (take this opportunity to put the number in your mobile 'phone NOW
* Personal safety alarms can be purchased from Security of the SU AWARE shop for only £1.00
Memory sticks (03/12/08)
Dozens of memory sticks are handed in each month to University security staff, many of them are never claimed.
In an effort to ensure these items and their valuable contents are returned to their owners it is recommended that owners do the following:
- create a folder on the stick marked ‘Owners details’
- within that folder create a file with the name and email address of the owner.
No further details will be required or are recommended, if you include an address or telephone number they could be abused by the finder.
Security staff can then check the stick and email the owner to collect the item at a convenient time
Incident (28/11/08)
A number of University of Bath students have been approached by a male in the Oldfield Park area of Bath and attempts made to entice them into his vehicle; on one occasion he was initially very plausible stating that he knew the student from the University and on another very aggressive. Remember never to ride with strangers and whenever possible walk with a friend or colleague.
Incident (28/11/08)
On two separate days this week a white hire van has been on campus offering to sell electrical items at ‘knock down’ prices. One student paid £250.00 for what he thought were speakers only to find they were worthless dummy boxes – don’t become a victim.
Secured Environments (28/11/08)
The University recently applied to be assessed under the Secured by Design Association of Chief Police Officers’ project called ‘Secured Environments’
'Secured Environments' is a police certification scheme. It is awarded to organisations that are able to show that they have adopted six key principles for protecting themselves against crime.
- Commitment to create a secure environment
- Understand the problem
- Develop a response
- Manage the response
- Implement the response/solution
- Evaluate the response
The Security Department on behalf of the University of Bath are pleased to announce that earlier this week they received the good news that University of Bath was the first in the country to be awarded this prestigious accolade.
Safety and security update (31/10/08)
As the result of several accidents and near misses over the last few months a safety barrier has been installed in the Underdeck (west bound) near the 2 West loading bay; the intention being to stop vehicles before allowing them to move off at a slow speed past the bay. Drivers should stop at the line and the barrier will rise permitting the driver to proceed; following drivers should stop allowing the barrier to lower between vehicles.
The barrier will not be used until the painting of the stop lines and cycle diversion are complete. All drivers, motorcyclists and cyclist are requested to take extra care when passing this area.
NB - For additional safety and tips visit the Crime Reduction pages.