UJ Protection Services 

Reporting Crime

It’s no secret: Safety is everyone’s business

Many parents are concerned about the safety of their daughter or son on a University campus, away from home. At the University of Johannesburg (UJ), we understand that concern and accept our responsibility to enforce security policies to ensure our students enjoy their years at the University as free as possible from threats to their safety or well-being.

UJ’s Protection Services carry out - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, security on all four of the University’s campuses. Given the extent of crime in South Africa, the University approaches this issue in collaboration with other role-players, such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the local municipality. By doing so, the University contributes to the promotion of a safe environment, even outside the University’s boundaries.

UJ’s Protection Services performs according to a well-structured operational plan and with crucial strategies in place that are truly outcomes based. It combines decades of sound experience, common sense and a true liking and respect for others, all in a day’s work. However, the responsibility for campus security is shared by every member of the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s community.

Street crime is on the increase in most large cities. It's also growing on campuses and in small communities. No university is immune to crime. In fact many crimes are more common on campuses than off. So wherever you are, keep yourself and friends safe by being aware of your surroundings.

Be Street Smart

It’s all about survival of the fittest. Just as predators search for weak prey, criminals look for weak victims.

So don’t make yourself an easy target. Travel in numbers. Walk with confidence. Plan your routes in advance. And stay alert. Here are some more ways to be street smart:

Walk safely

• Walk with a friend you know well, especially at night.
• Call for a campus escort through UJ’s Protection Services if you are walking alone at night.
• Watch your body language: Look tough and look people in the eye.
• If your instincts tell you something’s wrong, trust them—and get away.
• Cross the street if you see a suspicious person coming toward you.
• If you’re being followed, head for a public place and ask for help.
• Stay alert. Don’t listen to your iPod or talk on your cell phone when walking by yourself.
• Stick to well-lighted and well-traveled sidewalks.
• Don’t take shortcuts through parking lots, alleys, or wooded areas.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see oncoming vehicles. 

Guard your valuables against theft

You wouldn’t want to live without your computer, iPod, and other creature comforts. Here are some smart ways to protect your valuables:

• Don’t store all your valuables in the same place. Make anyone who wants your stuff search for it.
• Keep your room and vehicle locked when moving in. The beginnings and endings of semesters are prime times for theft.
• Engrave valuable items—like your laptop—with your driver’s license number so police can track them.
• Change your locks if you lose a key.
• Use “we are unable to come to the phone right now” on your answering machine message. Never reveal that you’re not at home or live alone.
• Never open the door to strangers. Ask their identity if you don’t know them.
• Ask for ID from repair and utility workers. Call your landlord or residence hall receptionist to verify any unexpected visit.
• If you have expensive computers, cameras, jewelry, and other expensive items, ensure that the renter’s insurance covers their full value. You may have to add something extra to a basic policy.
• Make a written list or photo CD of your valuables. Keep it in a safe deposit box or fireproof box.

Get to your vehicle safely and while in the vehicle 

• Hold your keys in your fist as you walk to your vehicle.
• Check to see that nobody is in the back seat.
• Before you get in, give your vehicle a quick once-over. Check tires, headlights, and other parts that might leave you stranded.
• Never leave your car unlocked, even for the few minutes it may take you to return a movie, buy milk, and so forth. Attackers may lie in wait for such an opportunity.
• Keep windows up and doors locked.
• If you have car trouble, signal for help by raising the hood or tying a white handkerchief to the door handle.
• Always check underneath your car upon approach and in the rear seat for intruders before entering your vehicle.
• Drive on well-traveled and well-lit streets.
• Never hitchhike, and never pick up hitchhikers.
• If someone tries to enter your stopped vehicle, sound the horn and drive to a safe area such as a convenience store.
• If your vehicle breaks down, ask any person who stops to help to call the police. Do not allow any person access to you or inside your car. Roll down your window no more than an inch. Be aware that an accident may be staged to provide the other driver an opportunity to commit a criminal act.
• Leave enough room between your car and the one ahead so you can drive around it if necessary.
• Call ahead when driving to your home or apartment late at night and have someone watch you walk from your car to the residence.
• Limit distractions such as cell phones.

At home, in an apartment building, or in a residence hall:

• Keep your room door locked when you are napping or sleeping.
• Never let unauthorised persons come into your room, enter residence halls, or enter apartment security doors. Always ask to see proper identification.
  
  Never prop open inside or outside doors.
• Do not hide keys outside of your room or apartment. Do not put your name or address on your key rings.
• Avoid working or studying alone in a campus building.
• Never dress in front of a window. Close blinds or curtains after dark.
• If you are awakened by an intruder inside your room, do not attempt to apprehend the intruder. Try to get an accurate description of the intruder and then call the police.
  
• Any suspicious activity should be reported to the UJ’s Protection Services immediately. If you have expensive equipment (computers, stereos, etc.) added secret identification marks. Have your computer software properly licensed. Enter the appropriate names of the owner into the computer when installing. Send your registration card into the software company so that there is a record of your purchase.
• Purchase a plastic keychain coil that fits around your wrist. You’ll be able to take a shower and keep your keys in your possession.
• Do not sign in people you do not know as guests into the residence halls.  Do not allow strangers to enter the premises.  Call Protection Services immediately if there are any concerns about strangers on campus.
• If someone asks to use your phone for emergency purposes, offer to telephone for them instead of allowing them access to your residence and/or possessions.
• Utilise a bank account instead of keeping large sums of money in your room.
• Keep your ATM/Bank cards in a safe place.  Never reveal your PIN number to anyone.  Not even your best friend. 
• Call Protection Services if you see a man entering or leaving a women's bathroom.  Do not attempt to stop the individual yourself, always call for assistance.
• Never prop doors open, even for a short time.  Especially fire doors.
• Report any suspicious behavior to a Residence Life staff member, or Protection Services.  Remember the individual's appearance to relay to the appropriate authorities.  Do not confront the individual. 

While out on a date

The unfortunate statistic is that 90 percent of rapes occur between people who already knew each other and that approximately half of rapes happen on dates. This is commonly known as "date rape" or "acquaintance rape."

While sexual assault and rape by an attacker is never the victim's fault, there are a few things women can bear in mind:

Take your time in getting to know your companion or "date." Don't spend time alone with someone who makes her feel uneasy or uncomfortable. This means following your instincts and removing herself from situations that you don't feel good about.

Stay with a group of people. Avoid risky areas, such as deserted areas.

Avoid excessive alcohol. According to a recent study in the USA, more than 70,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 have been victims of alcohol-related sexual assault or date rape.

Be alert for possible use of "date rape drugs" such as Rohypnol. Someone can slip it into a drink. It causes drowsiness, a loss of coordination, dizziness and memory loss. Never take drinks from other people and don't leave your drink unattended.

Tell someone you trust your date's name, destination and planned time of return.

Take money for a phone call and taxi fare with you.