Student safety on campus and in Leicester

Leicester is generally a safe place to live and study.

As in any city, however, unsettling incidents can occur. We want to make sure that you are prepared, should you, or someone you know, be involved in an incident. Following some simple advice and taking a few basic precautions can make a real difference in keeping you, your accommodation and your belongings safe and secure.

Plan ahead

When planning nights out, it is always a good idea to think ahead about what you might need, how you will get home safely and which route you will take. Avoid taking short cuts and walking alone or down dark roads and pathways, and remain cautious.

Call a taxi for when it’s time to head home, or walk in a group. ADT offer a tailored service for Leicester students, with fixed fares from 6pm – 6am. You can find their office on Braunstone Gate (towards the QEII Leisure Centre) or call them on 0116 255 5222.

Well-lit street map

Check out the map guide on how to get to some of the key places around Leicester. We’ve highlighted the best-lit streets so you can easily and safely explore the city after dark.

DMU Security

The DMU Security team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Security control room is located on campus and as well as running campus patrols, Security operate a comprehensive CCTV system around campus. If you have any questions or concerns about your safety, you can contact Security at any time.

We recommend storing the Security number in your mobile: DMU Security Estates Services Building: 0116 257 7642

DMU Security also provide advice and guidance on personal safety and how to look after yourself and your possessions.

If you did not receive a Welcome folder to DMU, containing an emergency contacts card, you can ask for one in Student Gateway. You can also find a Student Survival Guide here, giving advice on keeping yourself safe on nights out, an accommodation safety checklist and more.

Campus Police Officer

The DMU Security team works closely with the police. Our DMU campus police officer can be contacted via the Estates helpdesk or security. If you need to report a crime or incident, you can report online.

For general enquires ONLY you can email the officers at DMU@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk. Do not use this email address to report an incident as it is not monitored 24/7.

To report information 100% anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers.

Emergencies: If a crime is happening now, is about to happen, or has just happened then telephone 999 and ask for the police. For non-emergencies, you can also contact Leicester police by phoning 101.

Leicestershire Police have issued a handy guide on how to keep yourself and your belongings safe, and ensure you remain on the right side of the law. Take a couple of minutes of your time to check out this guide.

Safety advice

• If you find yourself in a vulnerable situation, throw your possessions away from the individual and run away
• Report all incidents or near miss incidents to DMU Security (0116 257 7642 – 24 hours) and the police on 999.

If anyone has any concerns, they are very welcome to meet Head of Security, Kevin Burrows, in the Security Office (just up the street from the campus centre).

Run Hide Tell 

In the rare event of an attack, you should Run, Hide, Tell. 

There is no specific intelligence which suggests that universities are being targeted, and the chances of being caught in a terrorist incident or weapons attack is extremely low. It is important that you stay alert and know what to do if the worst was to happen. 

The police advice is: 

Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there is nowhere to go then...

Hide, it’s better than to confront. Remember to turn your phone to silent and turn off vibrate. Barricade yourself in if you can. Then finally, and only when it is safe to do so…

Tell the police by calling 999.

Be vigilant of money mule fraudsters

One of the ways students are being targeted by fraudsters is through online job adverts. These adverts can sometimes appear on social media, offering the chance to make hundreds of pounds for very little work. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

This could make you into a ‘money mule’ and you could be prosecuted, as money laundering supports organised and serious crime. Be vigilant and find out more here or watch our video below. 

Further Support and advice

DMU is dedicated to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all students and staff. In order to do so, we have joined forces with De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) for a number of support approaches and campaigns. We want all students to know that we are here to listen, support and protect you.

If you are in an emergency situation and need urgent support call 999 now.

Be a good neighbour

No matter where you live, it makes life a lot easier when you can develop a good relationship with your neighbours. It’s important to take your neighbourly responsibilities seriously and you may find you greatly benefit from putting a bit of extra thought and effort into your behaviour to them.

We have worked with De Montfort Students’ Union on putting together a Good Neighbour guide which provides some tips and guidance for how you can best get along with neighbours and foster positive relations in the community you live in.

No Space for Hate     

Our No Space for Hate approach deals with incidents of hate and harassment, as part of our commitment to challenge inappropriate behaviours and provide practical support to students. Here, you will find helpful information alongside an anonymous reporting tool for those who do not wish to formally report their experiences. Our dedicated team can also be contacted via 0116 257 7642 (option 3) or nsfh@dmu.ac.uk.

The Mandala Project

The Mandala Project aims to signpost DMU students towards practical experience. Students can access this service if they have experienced sexual violence, domestic abuse, harassment and other unacceptable behaviours and incidents. You can contact The Mandala Project team from 9.30am-5pm on weekdays on 0116 207 8309 or by emailing themandalaproject@dmu.ac.uk to arrange your appointment.

Are You Okay?

The last year and a half has been unpredictable and unexpected. We want all students to have a safe space to let us know how you are feeling and share your feedback. The De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU) led Are You Okay? campaign helps make us aware of what is important to you, and your opinions on what works and what doesn’t. You can share your feedback via the survey, or by contacting your Course Rep or DSU Executive Officer team.