Safety on and around campus

27 November 2023

Here are some helpful reminders on precautions you can take to minimise risk to your personal safety and belongings, and others in our community.

For all safety and security information, tips and guidance, visit the Security website.

If you or someone else have experienced bullying and harassment, hate incidents or gender-based violence, you can report it to Queen Mary.

Please do contact our Advice and Counselling Service for confidential, non-judgemental practical and emotional support. 

Carry your Student ID card while on campus

You might be asked by Security to present your card to verify your identity and authority to access certain areas, especially if coming onto campus out of hours. Your card helps identify you as a Queen Mary student and is one of the ways we can all contribute to secure campuses.

Online safety 

There are loads of helpful tips and resources from our IT Services team to help you stay safe online - find out more at the Cyber Security homepage. In a rush? Check out these top 10 tips! 

Protect your money from scams and fraud 

See our tips and latest guidance on our Protect your money from scams and fraud website.

If you receive a phone call or email which seems a bit strange, trust your instincts and don’t be intimated. Instead:

• Stop: Take a moment to stop and think before sending any money to someone you do not know. Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations (including Queen Mary, the Home Office and banks) and the police. 
• Challenge: Could it be fake? It is OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.  
• Protect: Contact the QMUL Security on 020 7882 5000 or UK Police immediately on 999 and do not send any money.

Personal belongings 

More advice on personal safety is available from the Security website.

Mobiles

Please be aware of your surroundings when using your phone in public spaces. Criminals are counting on your being distracted by your phone so you do not notice them as they approach. Look out for bikes and mopeds if they ride on the pavement. Make sure you use your phone's security features, such as keypad locks and remote data wiping. You may also want to think about using a Bluetooth headset so you do not need to have your phone out in front of you.

Laptops

Please do not leave your personal belongings unattended for any length of time, including laptops in the Library, even if it’s just to get a book out or grab a coffee. If you do lose anything or have your belongings stolen, contact Security as soon as possible. 

Bikes

There are covered cycle storage pods at Mile End and Charterhouse Square campuses. If you’d like to access the free pods, complete a quick registration form for Mile End or Charterhouse Square, and a member of staff will be in touch with more information.

Increased safe spaces on campus

Some Queen Mary buildings have 24/7 security presence that will be able to help if you ever feel unsafe or lost and need a friendly face to help:

• Dawson Hall at Charterhouse Square
• Garrod Building in Whitechapel
• Department W in between Whitechapel and Stepney Green
• Queens’ Building at Mile End
• Westfield Way Lodge close to Mile End Station
• Aspire Point in Stratford
• Blithehale Court close to Bethnal Green Station
• Sherren House in Stepney Green

StreetSafe in public places

StreetSafe is a service that allows you to report safety concerns in public places (anonymously), on your way to or back from the campus, or anywhere you are in the UK. This could be anything from poorly lit streets to instances where you might feel uneasy.

The data from StreetSafe is made available to Police, local authorities and other stakeholders as part of their community partnerships to have a better understanding of geographical profiles and inform their community safety activities.