Safety support and SafeZone App

Your first port of call if you have any safety concerns is our friendly campus Security team. They’re on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you have an emergency or any questions. For your peace of mind and wellbeing, our Security team is fully qualified in first aid, along with fire safety training to support the safe evacuation of buildings when a fire alarm has been activated.

Our campus is a safe place, but if you feel unsure or are concerned, you can contact Security via the SafeZone App. They can then ensure your safety via CCTV cameras and where possible may be able to physically accompany students safely across the site. They can also offer remote support for when you are in the city on designated connected routes.

SafeZone is your free safety app while at CCCU. You can use it to alert the Security team via your mobile phone if you need urgent assistance, first aid, or if you have an emergency on campus.

The system is privacy protected, so it will never share your location unless you request assistance or use the check-in function. This also means the app won’t drain your mobile phone battery.

SafeZone has three main buttons for requesting security assistance:

• First aid
• Enquiries
• Emergency

Don’t worry if you press a button in error, you can easily cancel the alert by tapping the button again while the timer is winding down.

The check-in function allows you to let Security know where you are if you’re working alone or outside of normal working hours.

You also have the ability to report any issues anonymously (such as noisy parties in accommodation) or suspicious behaviour on campus.

SafeZone is simple to use and free to download:

• Safezone for iPhone/iPad
• Safezone for Android

Once you’ve downloaded the SafeZone App, you need to sign up using your University email.

Our campus is a safe place, but if you feel unsure or are concerned, you can contact Security via the SafeZone App. They can then ensure your safety via CCTV cameras and where possible may be able to physically accompany students safely across the site. They can also offer remote support for when you are in the city on designated connected routes.

Together working with University of Kent and the Students’ Unions, we have identified connected routes in Canterbury City Centre which are well lit or covered by CCTV for students to use.

These connected routes are now covered by the SafeZone App which means students on a connected route can activate the app if they are feeling concerned or unsafe, to get remote support from either the University of Kent or CCCU security.

In addition, as part of the connected routes, 12 locations have been identified as safety refuge points where students can request help and advice if they are feeling unsafe or in danger.

In partnership with the University of Kent, we have the Canterbury Street Marshals, who are here to help you get home safely on your nights out.

The Street Marshals cover key areas across Canterbury, including:

• St Michael’s area
  Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 23:00 – 04:00
• Club Chemistry and Wincheap
  Wednesday and Friday, 23:00 – 05:00
• Sturry Road and Northgate
  Wednesday and Friday, 23:00 – 05:00

Partners in Canterbury have a zero tolerance to discrimination and harassment in the city. 

Kent Police, Canterbury Bid, and the City Council are working with night-time venues to secure Best Bar None accreditation. The accreditation assesses security measures, how well the venue takes care of its customers ,and recognises those businesses that work hard to provide a warm welcome to their customers and the communities they are part of.

Staff at these premises will have had Zero Tolerance training in how to tackle harassment and unacceptable behaviour including spiking. They will operate the Ask Angela scheme, which encourages people to discreetly ask for help by going to the bar to 'Ask for Angela' - a phrase aimed at asking bar staff for help with defusing a situation.

Drink spiking is addressed at accredited venues with drink testing strips and glass toppers to increase safety, along with staff training on how to support you. 

Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, and the University of Creative Arts in Canterbury, have been working collaboratively with key partners including Kent Police, Canterbury City Council, and Canterbury BID to tackle spiking in our communities.

We want to make it clear that spiking is never the fault of the victim, it is always the fault of the perpetrator. Drink spiking is a criminal offence, and we are committed to working together to keep our students safe.

Kent Police have worked with key licenced trade venues to ensure that all reports of spiking are reported to the police so that appropriate action can be taken. Venues have also been taking measures to protect their customers including reviewing or establishing spiking policies, testing empty glasses, providing drink coverings, and increasing searches before entry.

We take reports of spiking very seriously and provide support for any students who have witnessed or experienced spiking.

What is spiking?

‘Spiking’ is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or their body without their knowledge and/or consent. Spiking is a serious criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of ten years in prison in England and Wales.

What does spiking look like?

There are many different substances that can be used to spike, from alcohol to a range of drugs. Whilst there are some indications that a drink may have been spiked, often this is not the case. If in doubt talk to the bar staff at the venue; however, some tell-tale signs may include:

• Excessive bubbles
• A cloudy drink
• A strange or unexpected taste
• If the colour has changed or appears mixed
• If the ice sinks
• There could be no change in your drink at all

Indications that you may have been spiked include:

• Feeling drunk after little drinking
• Feeling dizzy, faint, or confused
• Passing out or vomiting
• Impaired vision or speech

You’re thinking of spiking someone’s drink, you should know:

• Drink spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison. This means that slipping alcohol or drugs into someone’s drink is against the law, even if the drink is not consumed or the person is not harmed.

Whilst spiking is always the fault of the perpetrator, there are steps you can take to stay safe:

• Never leave your drink unattended.
• Use a drink cover or bottle spikey where possible - these are available form St Georges' Reception.
• Try and make sure that you stay with your friends or people you know.

 What to do if you or a friend think you may have been spiked:

Inside a venue:

• Get to a safe space.
• Inform the venue team.  If you do not feel safe to do this explicitly go to the bar and 'Ask for Angela' - a phrase aimed at making bar staff aware of an issue in a safe and discreet way.
• If medical or police assistance is required, ask the venue to arrange this immediately. 
• Do not leave the venue alone or with someone you don’t know or trust.
• Take note of the time and areas where you and your friend have been in the last 30 minutes. This will help in getting evidence from CCTV.

If you have left the venue or are at home:

• If you have already left the venue and the incident has just happened, call 999 for the Police to attend or to arrange an ambulance if you require urgent medical assistance.
• If you are reporting this incident more than 12 hours afterwards, please call 101 and record what happened. Police will then advise appropriate action.
• If you go to the nearest A&E department, tell the medical staff that you think they have been spiked.

If you have been affected by spiking recently or in the past, you can access confidential support through Report and Support. 

To find out more about drink spiking visit the Drinkaware website.

The Safe Taxi scheme can help you if you feel vulnerable and need to quickly and safely reach your accommodation in Canterbury or another destination, such as a police station or local hospital.

By registering for the scheme, you can request a taxi from Longleys Private Hire, even if you don’t have the funds to pay the fare at the time of booking. You just settle the fare within seven days using the CCCU online store.

It’s free, quick, and simple to sign up to the scheme and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that if you’re in an emergency situation, you’re covered. Register now for the Safe Taxi scheme.

Please use the subways and designated crossings to get to and from Canterbury City Centre to Augustine House, Petros Court, or St George's. The subways are permanently monitored by Canterbury City Council CCTV control centre.

It is unsafe to try and cross the busy dual carriage ring road and could result in an accident being caused.

• Anytime you leave your property, be sure to lock up and keep your keys and wallets in a safe place on your person.
• Keep valuables out of sight and in a secure place. Consider secure storage for expensive items if you're leaving these during the holidays.
• Mark high-value items with a UV pen - your student registration number and the initials of your university makes a unique number.
• Register your mobile’s IMEI and the serial numbers of your electronic equipment on Immobilise.
• If you have a bike, invest in a good quality bike lock and use it. Leave your bike in designated, well-lit public bike areas and lock it to something immovable. Take a photo of your bike and the frame number.
• Take out an insurance policy.

In the event you become the victim of theft, it is important to have the necessary contacts to hand. In any emergency situation, contact the police on 999. When an emergency response is not required, call 101 to report the theft. This can be used in circumstances such as bike theft. If you’re unsure whether or not police assistance is needed, contact your University’Security Team. They will be able to assess the situation and get you the necessary support.

We have Social Media Guidelines to help protect and support students who contribute to and engage with social media.

While we do everything we can to protect your data and university systems, it’s important to remember that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. You should never share your password with anyone, and if you have any concerns that an email may be suspicious, please report it to the i-zone.

Take a look at how we are committed to providing a safe digital environment for all.

Money mules are people who act as intermediaries receiving and moving money for criminals and criminal organisations.

Around six in ten money mules are under the age of 30 and most are recruited between the ages of 17 and 24. Many criminals target their recruitment of money mules at universities or colleges – either online, in person, or via friends and family.

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of money muling. 

f you’ve been the victim of a crime, or think you’ve witnessed one, you should report it to the police straight away. Your information could be used to prevent other crimes and help keep other people safe.

In an emergency always dial 999.

If you’d like support in reporting a crime to the police, you can contact the University’s Community Liaison Manager at community.liaison@canterbury.ac.uk

We appreciate that being a witness or victim of crime can be distressing, and our Student Wellbeing Services are here to support you.

Other national and local charities can also support you:

• Victim Support - a charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales.
• East Kent Rape Crisis Centre - a charity providing a safe space to everyone affected by any kind of sexual violence or coercion, experienced at any time during their lives.
• Rising Sun - a local charity supporting those affected by domestic violence.

If on campus you can report to the University Security on 01227 922355 or via the Safezone App. 

If you want to report a minor crime, such as a stolen mobile phone, you should go to your nearest police station or call 101.

Go to the Police UK website for further information.

If you’d like support in reporting a crime to the police, you can contact the University’s Community Liaison Manager at community.liaison@canterbury.ac.uk

The University is committed to ensuring a safe, compassionate, and inclusive working and learning environment for all members of the University Community. If you’ve witnessed or experienced bullying or harassment, including online, we’re here to support you. 

Use Report + Support to confidentially report incidents of bullying, harassment, discrimination, domestic abuse, and sexual violence. In making a report, our Student Support Advisers can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions and put you in control of what happens next.

There is no specific intelligence to say universities are being targeted and the chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident or weapons attacks are still low. But sadly we have seen lethal assaults carried out by people with a variety of deadly motives. So it is important everyone stays alert and knows what to do if the worst was to happen.

We recommend that you follow the simple Counter Terrorism Policing advice of run, hide and tell.

• Run to a place of safety. This is a far better option than to surrender or negotiate. If there’s nowhere to go, then...
• Hide - It’s better to hide 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.