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Blackfriars Hall > Crime Prevention and Reporting Guide

Crime Prevention and Reporting Guide

Oxford is generally a safe and welcoming city, but as in any urban environment, taking simple precautions helps protect you and your belongings. This guide explains how to stay safe, how to prevent crime in and around your accommodation, and how to report anything suspicious. These tips are based on official Thames Valley Police crime-prevention guidance, including advice on protecting your home, avoiding theft, and staying safe in public: https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/

Building Security

We ensure that all our buildings and student rooms are secure and lockable but we ask that our students take account of their home and personal security too. A busy city like Oxford, especially in areas of student accommodation, gives criminals opportunities, so all our residents should stay vigilant and take extra care in protecting themselves and their property. This often means using common sense but we have gathered some safety tips here for keeping you and your belongings safe in our accommodation:

  • Lock up – Always lock your doors and windows when you are at home and do not leave exterior doors on the latch, even if you and your housemates are inside. Remember to keep your windows closed when you’re not in the room. Did you know? 1 in 3 burglaries occur when doors have been left open.
  • Check visitors – Before opening the door, take a look through the peephole or window to see who is there. Don’t open the door to people you are not expecting; all of our team members will be announced to you in advance and wear branded uniform or a Blackfriars lanyard. Please avoid holding the door open for people you don’t know, as they could be trying to sneak into your building (known as tailgating).
  • Please do not route deliveries directly to our houses, particularly during vacations – having a parcels pile up outside the front door is a big sign saying no one is home.
  • Keep your keys/fobs safe – Do not give your keys to other people or hide them outside the accommodation for someone else to find – either of these puts others at risk and would be considered a non-academic disciplinary offence.
  • Don’t share private information online – It may seem obvious but don’t share your home address or announce when you’re not home on social media.
  • Shared house security – do not assume housemates will secure the house when you are out or lock doors at night. Discuss and agree on security rules with everyone.

 

All of our properties are monitored by Oxford University Security Services. They offer a 24-hour, 365-day support service. If you ever see something or someone suspicious around our properties or feel unsafe in the neighbourhood of our accommodation,  call them at +44(0)1865 2 72944 or email them at ouss.administration@admin.ox.ac.uk.

Securing your personal belongings

Even if you follow all the above tips, it is important that you also take precautions to protect your personal belongings inside of our accommodation and when you are out and about.

  • Stow away valuables – It’s a good idea to keep expensive things like laptops, phones, and any other valuables hidden from view.
  • Back up your work – Don’t risk losing all your important academic work. Make sure you save it in the cloud. That way, even if your computer is stolen or crashes, your work is safe.
  • Register phones, laptops, and bikes on Immobilise, the UK property register.
  • Keep your phone secure. Phone thefts by pickpockets or criminals using bikes and mopeds are becoming more common. Avoid using your phone at the edge of pavements or late at night in quiet areas. For more guidance see the link.
  • Use strong passwords and track my device features.
  • Get insurance – we recommend for all our students to consider taking out student housing insurance. This insurance can help protect your belongings from theft or damage. We recommend Howden/StudentGuard insurance.

Cycle Security

Bicycle theft is very common in Oxford but there are simple ways that you can keep your bike safe during your stay in our accommodation.

Keeping Safe while out and about

Some of these tips may seem like common sense but keeping them in mind will help ensure you get around Oxford safely:

  • Stick to well lit, busy routes, especially at night.
  • Walk with friends where possible.
  • Be aware of your surroundings; i.e. avoid distraction (e.g., headphones on full volume).
  • If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, go to a busy place or call 999.
  • Also see our Safety at Night guide for suggested routes that can be used any time of day.
  • Look after others. Thames Valley Police highlight actions you can take to help keep others safe in public. These include checking in on friends who are walking/cycling home, or if you see someone who appears vulnerable, stay nearby and contact help if needed.

How to Report a Crime or Suspicious Behaviour in Oxford

In an emergency, call 999 immediately

Use this if:

  • A crime is happening right now
  • Someone is in danger
  • You see violence or threats
  • You believe a suspect is nearby

For non emergencies, call 101

Use this to report:

  • Crimes that have already happened
  • Suspicious but non urgent behaviour
  • Lost property
  • Minor incidents

Report online

You can report many incidents directly through the Thames Valley Police website:
https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk

For detailed local crime trends or policing priorities in Oxford, residents can also consult the Oxford Central page on Police.uk. (police.uk)

Report anonymously

Crimestoppers (anonymous tip line)

  • Call 0800 555 111
  • Report online (without giving your name): crimestoppers-uk.org
    (Crimestoppers anonymous reporting confirmed in Thames Valley Police station info.)
  • You can also dial 141 before calling 0800 555 111 to block caller ID.

To report fraud or cybercrime

Action Fraud

  • Call: 0300 123 2040
  • Report online (UK national fraud reporting service) [police-uk.org]

To report potential terrorism or extremist activity

UK Anti Terrorist Hotline

  • 0800 789 321

 

Staying Informed in Oxford

Sign up for Thames Valley Alerts, a free service that provides:

  • Local crime updates
  • Witness appeals
  • Crime prevention advice
  • Safety messages for your neighbourhood
  • This is an official Thames Valley Police community messaging system.

What To Do If You See Suspicious Behaviour Near Blackfriars or Your Accommodation

Examples include:

  • Strangers repeatedly trying door handles or entering secured accommodation
  • Someone looking into ground floor windows or mail areas
  • Unattended bags in public spaces
  • People loitering around bike racks
  • Parcel theft attempts (Oxford police note these occur in residential areas) [police.uk]

 

Action steps:

  1. If you believe a crime may be happening,  Call 999
  2. If something feels “off” but not urgent,  Call 101 or report online
  3. If you prefer to stay anonymous,  Contact Crimestoppers
  4. Notify the Blackfriars Hall Lodge or Accommodation Office so they can take follow-up action (CCTV review, increased checks, etc.).

Additional Advice for Students Living in Oxford

Parcel and delivery safety

  • Arrange deliveries to Blackfriars Hall’s doorkeepers’ Lodge instead of to your accommodation address – that way not one can steal your parcel.
  • Collect your parcels promptly.

 

Anti social behaviour

Common issues: noise disturbances, intoxication, street harassment.
Report to:

  • Police (101 or 999 depending on severity)
  • Blackfriars Hall staff
  • Oxford City Council (for certain Anti social behaviour categories)

If you need help or have concerns

Students can always speak directly with:

  • Any member of Blackfriars Hall staff
  • The Welfare Lead, Welfare Officer, or Junior Dean (Welfare)
  • Your local Thames Valley Police neighbourhood team (contact details via Police.uk) [police.uk]