Your safety and security

Page last updated:
24 Jul 2023

On this page you'll find information and advice around what our university is doing to create a safe and secure campus environment.

You can also find out more about how to stay safe at university, reporting a crime and who to speak to about getting help and support.

Security on campus

We have CCTV and 24/7 security across both our campuses and at many halls of residence. Security also conduct regular building patrols to ensure your welfare and safety.

Accommodation

Private accommodation and halls owned by Leeds Beckett are among the safest places in Leeds for you to live. Many halls have key-card locks on all rooms, flats and buildings, as well as security teams on-site every day and night at most sites.

If you have concerns about the safety and security in your residence, speak to your Halls Management team or the Res Life team.

Reporting a crime

Emergencies: Call 999 in an emergency, if life is in danger or a crime is happening.

Non-emergencies: If you need to contact the police for a non-urgent matter (to report a crime that has already happened, for help and advice, and for the latest crime information), you should contact West Yorkshire Police directly.

West Yorkshire Police:

West Yorkshire Police website

In a non-emergency situation, call 101 to get in touch with the police. Alternatively, you can contact the neighbourhood helpline:

West Yorkshire Police also offer advice on how to keep yourself and your friends safe. On the West Yorkshire Police website you can also find safety advice from the ambulance and fire services.

Our university’s police liaison officer:

PC Mark Fox is a full-time police liaison officer who works across both Headingley and City campuses to provide advice and support to students and to investigate any potential police matters.

Safeguarding You 

Looking after your personal safety while you are at our university is a key part of making sure you have the best time you can.  

Reducing safety risks

Leeds is a safe and well policed city, but it’s good to know what you can do to stay safe during your time at university. We’ve put together this guide to help you reduce the risks to yourself, to help you understand your responsibilities as a Leeds Beckett student and to point you in the direction of the support that is available to you. 

Safeguarding

The university recognises the welfare of vulnerable groups as paramount and believes that all children and Adults at Risk have the right to protection from abuse. It is of paramount importance that all staff and students understand our Safeguarding policy and how to report concerns to the university’s designated Safeguarding team.

Prevent

The university’s approach to the Prevent duty is primarily one of safeguarding the welfare of its students and staff. The university has a proportionate and risk based approach to the Prevent duty, which is articulated in our Approach to the Prevent Duty guidance.

Sexual harassment, violence or misconduct

We have a zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment, violence and misconduct. If you have experienced sexual harassment, violence or misconduct, our Guidance for students who have experienced sexual harassment, violence or misconduct provides you with information on the support available and options for formal reporting. We have also worked closely with Leeds Beckett Students’ Union to create an online reporting facility for anyone affected.

We recognise that sexual harassment and violence can intersect with other forms of harassment and oppression, such as racism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. We will ensure you can access support which is tailored to your individual experience.

Be clear about consent 

Use our resource to be clear about what constitutes consent for sexual activities.

How to report a concern and / or access urgent support 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

A.

If you become a victim of crime during your time in Leeds, it is important to know where to go for support. Victim Support is a charity that offers support to victims and witnesses of crime. Support is offered through online resources and telephone contact.

Telephone: 0845 303 0900 or 0300 303 1971 for the Yorkshire and Humber branch (Monday to Friday 08:00 – 20:00)

A.

The easiest way to look after your possessions is to make sure you have them on you at all times, e.g. phone, wallet, purse, laptop, rucksack. Don’t leave your valuables unattended. If you leave a room on campus, take them with you or leave them with a friend.

A good idea is to mark your valuables using a security marker like a UV pen. Adding an invisible mark with something that identifies you as the owner (e.g. a postcode, your surname) can make it easier for the police to return your things to you when they find them.

You can also register with Immobilise, which is a free service where you can register your possessions, making it easier for police to return stolen items to you.

Please remember that most of our university buildings have public access, and not all people on site are students or staff.

A.

Stay connected to others and be sure to let someone know what you are doing and stay in regular contact.

If you are going on a blind date or a first date, make sure a friend is aware and that they know where you are going. Keep in touch with your friend throughout the evening. If you think you or a friend has had their drink spiked, then seek medical support.

If you need help, there are a number of support teams in the city centre. You can get support from the SIA-approved door staff at the venue you are in, Street Angels, Leeds Ambassadors, Angels of Freedom, and police and paramedics. They all work within the city during the day and night, and are linked to each other if support is needed.

Also, if you or a friend feel frightened during a date or by your partner whilst out, then you can get support from staff at several venues across Leeds. It works by licensed premises displaying an ‘Ask for Angela’ poster or window sticker which signals that the pub, club, restaurant or bar is signed up to the scheme. In those premises, staff know to take action if someone approaches the bar and asks if they can speak with ‘Angela’.

Take responsibility for your personal belongings. Keep wallets, purses and mobile phones out of sight and on your person when not in use. Mobile phones can make you a target for thieves.

A.

At night, do not travel on your own and make sure you take well-lit routes, even if it takes a bit longer. When getting public transport late at night, try and wait at a stop or platform where there are other individuals around.

Do not have earphones in when walking or put them to a level that ensures you are aware of your surroundings. Try to refrain from having your face lit up by the screen and be aware of people in proximity to you. Earphones are an indication that you potentially have an expensive device on you.

Always carry your student ID card whether on or off campus, this supports access within our university and access to the Library 24/7. Always take an official car, check the details of the driver or note the four-digit council authorisation badge displayed on the dashboard. The genuine drivers would not mind if you took a picture, as it is all about your safety. UBER are good as the audit trail is on your phone.

If you’re travelling on a bike, we recommend using a D-lock as these are the most secure. Other chains, wires and bendy locks are easily cut with bolt croppers. This happens daily at universities in Leeds. A D-lock would require a power tool to get through, which would clearly alert others.

How to contact / find us

Emergency: 0113 812 3165 (24 hours)

Emergency extension: 4444

Headingley Campus

City Campus

Halls of residence

  • Carnegie Village: 07525 906680 (24-hour security mobile)
  • Kirkstall Brewery: 07968 183301 (24-hour security mobile)
  • Marsden House: 07704 751038 (24-hour security mobile)
  • Arena Village: 07921 897498 (24-hour security mobile)

Looking for something else?

There's lots of helpful advice and guidance on our student information pages. Try searching if you know what you're looking for or if you're not sure where to go, you can browse our A-Z.