Wessex Lane:Business Services Reply.. :: Wessex Scene Online

Wessex Lane:Business Services Reply..

9th October 2002

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May 02 - Students go down for Ł8
Mar 02 - Halls of residence security problems - do the university actually care??
Mar 02 - CAMPUS CRIME CAPERS
Oct 02 - Campus Crime CRISIS?
Oct 02 - Witnesses Wanted

There were two security related incidents in the Wessex Lane Halls at the weekend, which are clearly of concern to us.

Firstly the break in at Montefiore at which, what appeared to be a weapon, is reported to have been produced and the second at South Stoneham. We would emphasis that whilst this was upsetting no students or member of staff was physically hurt

The Wessex Lane halls have 24 hour security presence but such a situation would not have been prevented by further guarding, though an additional guard was on the site at the time of the break in at Montefiore.

I would emphasis that the level of crime generally and violent crime specifically is much lower on Hall of Residence sites than the general level of crime elsewhere in the area.

The level of guards was increased on Sunday as much as anything to reassure the students. In addition a guard/dog handler was deployed as this has proved a successful approach on the Highfield Campus.

We are actively considering the use of a mobile dog handler to support the halls security on a longer term basis. The environment of student halls is a very different to a teaching Campus and we are undertaking a risk assessment to ensure that is appropriate and safe. The feasibility of extending CCTV in Wessex Lane was already being, and will continue to, be progressed.

We work in constant partnership with the Hampshire Constabulary and are specifically reviewing these two incidents.

We would continue to encourage students to take all reasonable steps to ensure their own personal safety and that of other students.

Should any student have concerns relating to security both Amanda Niblett and/or David Berry would welcome any comment or to discuss these with you directly. Alternatively you can always speak to PC Steve Mullins the Higher Education Liaison Officer on 07770 668641.