University of Reading Security

Please be vigilant of your surroundings when using your phone.
Security have received 3 recent reports of Thieves on bicycle’s riding past and sn**ching phones from students

The last attempt failed as the student had a good grip on her phone, but she was shaken up by the experience.

“A man/teen with a black mask and black clothing on a bike came right up to the bench and tried grabbing my phone which was in my hand.”

https://www.met.police.uk/phonesn**ch

Protect your mobile phone against criminals on bikes and mopeds Criminal often use bikes and mopeds to sn**ch mobile phones from people - find out how to guard against this happening to you.

The university is once again being targeted by bike thieves.
Unfortunately, they seem to be more organised than in previous years, and some thieves and are now using cordless power tools to cut through locks.

A recent theft shows the thieves on cctv take less than 1 minute to steal a bike.

How to help:

• Use the locked bike sheds where possible. (Contact security for access)
• Use good quality “D” Locks to secure your bike. (More than one if possible)
• Be vigilant and check your bike as often as you can.
• Report anyone suspicious to Security.

As always;
If you see anyone who seems to be acting suspiciously on campus, please do not approach them but do give security a call as soon as safe to do so, and we will attend ASAP.

Spiked drink?

Bike Lights

Now that winter is almost here and the nights are getting darker.
It may be a good time to think about your safety when riding your bike.

Make sure you are seen by drivers and pedestrians and invest in a good quality bike light.
At present Security are selling bike lights at cost price and you can pick them up on our online shop.

https://www.store.reading.ac.uk/product-catalogue/estates-facilities/campus-services

Please note;
• Security is unable to take cash and all purchases must be made online.
• Bring proof of purchase to the security office.
• Whiteknights house / bld 27

BE SEEN / BE SAFE
🚴‍♀️🚴‍♀️

Electric Vehicles and Pedestrian Safety.

Electric vehicles are the future and an excellent way to lower emissions and help reduce our carbon footprint.

As more and more vehicles are now Hybrid or fully electric, we thought it may be a good time to remind everyone of one of the downsides they currently pose.

At present the University does have electric vehicles which are used daily on campus; there are also lots of delivery vehicles and visitors that come onto the University grounds driving electric vehicles.

As you are obviously aware these vehicles are virtually silent when running and you may want to take extra care when out walking and in particular when crossing the road.

Most visitors and delivery drivers don’t know the University too well and may easily become distracted when finding their way around.

Please remember to look both ways when crossing and possibly think twice about walking through campus wearing earphones or looking at your phone.

The government has asked that all electric vehicles registered after July 2021 will have to emit an audible sound when travelling under 12mph, but there will be lots of vehicles that are still running silent so take please care when out and about.
New noise systems to stop ‘silent’ electric cars and improve safety - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Welcome to GOV.UK GOV.UK - The place to find government services and information - Simpler, clearer, faster

Unusual request.
Security were asked to assist with an unusual request this morning.
A distressed student reported that she had thrown her phone into the bin instead of her banana and she could not reach it.

Security assisted, much to the amusement of a bus load of passengers looking on.
Phone retrieved and panic over.

Student pages for reading buses. Useful to know time tables and discounts 😁

https://www.reading-buses.co.uk/university

University Students - Reading Buses You have Javascript disabled. Your experience using this site will be limited and you may not be able to access information about services. Learn how to enable Javascript.

After the recent misery of Covid it was a pleasure to see that someone still has a happy outlook on life.
The post box outside of Whitenights house looks excellent in its winter hat.
Well done you..😁

Bike theft

The university has once again attracted the local bike thieves.
Over the past month we have had a number of cycles stolen, and it seems that the halls of residence are also being targeted.
3 at St Georges, 2 at Bridges and also 2 at Stenton.

Unfortunately it appears that the stolen cycles were only secured by a cable lock, which was easily cut through by the thieves and only takes a few minutes.

Useful tips:
• Use a good quality ‘D’ shackle lock to secure your bike, even for a few moments.
• Lock both the bike frame and wheels to the rack, especially if the wheels are quick-release.
•.Most halls have secured areas for overnight parking of bikes, so where possible use theses to secure your bike.( you need to get access on your campus card)

Please report any suspicious persons to security when safe to do so, and we will attend as soon as possible.

Hi Everyone,
Welcome back to the University.😁
For those of you who have just arrived, we know how difficult it is to find anything, as the University seems massive at first.

Why not try the free app “what3words” as this may help you finding your way around the University.

After you have downloaded the app, just type in the “what3words” code and then tap the compass icon.

This will then show you a large red arrow to point you in the right direction. It also shows the distance to your destination.

We have listed the main areas for you, so just pick your location and type in the 3 words, you can also use your voice to say the 3 words.

https://what3words.com/products/what3words-app/

As the UK Government has issued a heatwave warning for the next few days, here are a few tips to help you stay cool.. :)

https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Cool-in-Warm-Weather

How to Stay Cool in Warm Weather Keeping cool in warm weather is a multi-faceted challenge. Risks of getting too hot in warm weather include dehydration, and a variety of heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke....

Hi everyone,
We hope you are all enjoying the sunshine now that summer has finally arrived.

Along with the good weather we also need to pass on some information that you may have missed, due to covid and all the issues that has brought us.

Recently this week on a number of occasions Security have had to attend where some students have been trying to have a barbecue on the Campus grounds.

Unfortunately the University does not allow any fires or barbecues on the campus grounds or at the halls.

Picnics are fine 😁 but not barbecues. ☹️
Thanks for keeping the Campus safe.