Safety
Leeds is a great place to live and study. It's important to be prepared and take simple steps to stay safe and to know what to do if you're a victim of crime.
We've put together some advice on keeping safe. You can also download this safety guide.
Staying safe
Protect yourself
- Stick to well-lit busy streets when walking at night.
- Don't leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
- Stay vigilant when using your mobile phone, especially at night.
- Check your accommodation has working smoke alarms and a current gas certificate (more information is available from the Leeds University Union).
- Avoid walking alone in the dark. Instead, you could:
- use the Leeds University Union Nightbus
- use a registered taxi
- use the Amber Cars Student Safety Scheme if you have no cash.
Protect your possessions
- Ensure windows and doors are always locked, especially when youre not at home.
- Keep your valuables out of sight.
- Keep your bag, phone, laptop etc with you at all times.
- Register your possessions with Immobilise so that the Police can return any stolen items, if found.
Protect your identity
- Shred documents with personal details.
- Keep PINs safe.
- Don't respond to fake or scam emails asking for your personal details.
Emergencies
If you have an emergency on campus call:
The University Security Service: 0113 343 2222
If you have an emergency off-campus call:
Police, Fire, Ambulance and Coast Guard: 999
The Police
The Polices role includes:
- receiving crime reports
- receiving lost property reports
- giving crime prevention advice
- patrolling the city
- investigating crimes
- responding to emergencies.
Reporting crime
If you're a victim of crime it's important to report it, even if it seems minor. Student Advice in Leeds University Union can help you, and give you more information and support.
By phone
Emergency Ambulance, Fire Brigade or Police - phone 999 (freephone) and ask for the service. The Emergency SMS service enables deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK to send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service.
You can report a non-emergency to the police by calling 101.
In person
To report a crime in person you can visit the police station responsible for the area where the crime was committed. Call beforehand to check which police station you should visit.
In Leeds, you can go to:
Leeds Central Police Station
Park Street, Leeds, LS1 3BY
8am - 10pm - 7 days a week
Disabled access to front enquiry desk.
Tel: 101
Headingley/Adel
Weetwood Police Station
300 Otley Road, Leeds, LS16 6RG
Public Enquiry Counter
Open 8am - 10pm Monday to Sunday
Closed Bank Holidays.
Full disabled access.
Tel. 101
Crime and safety resources
More information about crime and safety is available from:
- Leeds University Union
- Creating Confidence, the British Councils UK Safety Guide for international students
- Action Fraud
- Our dedicated Police Liaison Officer, PC Becky Hurrell, email: r.hurrell@leeds.ac.uk phone: 07590359138 (8am - 4pm Monday to Friday)
- The University's Crime Prevention Manager.