25 November 2011

Increased safety measures - update

Following the unprecedented attacks on young people which took place last Wednesday evening (23 Nov), the police have confirmed that the total number of arrests has now risen to 14.

One person has been released but the other 13 have been bailed to reappear in January.  The police know the identity of a 15th individual, and are continuing efforts to locate him. They will continue to deploy 12 extra personnel and increase patrols in the Little London and Woodhouse areas.

The University and Leeds University Union (LUU) have implemented the following security measures:

  • we have augmented the existing team of 38 Security Officers and police-trained dog handlers by a further six to 44 Security Officers
  • increased security patrols have been introduced on the routes between the Leodis, Montague Burton and St Mark's residences. These include dog patrols and mobile units (this is in addition to increased security measures recently put in place) which will operate from late afternoon

  • a free shuttle bus is running from outside the Union building, to take students to Leodis, Montague Burton and St Mark's residences. This will run from 6.30pm until 11.30pm, after which the Night Bus will operate as normal. A timetable is available from the LUU website.

In addition, we are investigating the introduction of chaperoned walks to and from these residences, and increasing the number and regularity of Night Buses.  We are also expanding the coverage of the CCTV cameras to include the outlying residences.

Members of the University have met with members of the Council, the police and representatives of other HE institutions in Leeds to discuss what further actions can be taken to ensure the safety of our students.

In the meantime, please reassure your students that the University is taking all necessary measures to increase security, and remind them to follow simple safety guidelines whilst out and about in the city and travelling to and from campus. Further advice about safety  and help for students is available in a variety of easily accessible formats - e.g. security talks/information for new students and through the Knowledge website at:  http://www.leedsuniversityunion.org.uk/knowledge/

If they have any queries, students can call Crime Prevention Advisor Andy Gordon-Platt on (0113) 343 5005 or contact crimeprevention@leeds.ac.uk    In case of an emergency, the University Emergency Security number is 0113 343 2222. 

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