Geoffrey:
Good evening, I’m Geoffrey Miller, from the University of Nottingham Student Union.
Geoffrey:
And in this week’s free class, Carlos Garcia is going to tell us about safety around campus. Over to you, Carlos.
Carlos:
Thank you, Geoffrey. And thank you for all of your attendance today.
Carlos:
Also, I would like to thank the student union here at the university for organising this lecture.
Carlos:
Well, I have been serving and protecting the city of Nottingham for over 20 years now as a member of the police department.
Carlos:
Does anyone know what type of crime is the most prevalent on campus? I heard someone say drugs and alcohol - that’s actually isn’t too much of an issue.
Carlos:
Violence? Nope. Actually, the biggest thing we worry about here is theft. The nature of crime on Nottingham’s campus is quite different from that of the surrounding areas.
Carlos:
Crime rates across the East Midlands are very difficult to control.
Carlos:
We would like to see the rate stay the same for this calendar year, but it has been increasing steadily over the past three years.
Carlos:
On campus, however, I’m happy to say that the overall crime rate has fallen this year.
Carlos:
You wouldn’t think so if you have seen the extremely exaggerated stories in the media.
Carlos:
The media has done nothing but cause more concern about crime in our area.
Carlos:
Even the crime shows you see today are a little bit far fetched, but at least viewers know they are not real events.
Carlos:
We would really like to see more factual news articles out there so the public can have a rational sense of the safety level of our society.
Carlos:
OK, let’s move on to what to do when you see a crime.
Carlos:
Do not get involved if at all possible, and do not draw too much attention to yourself by running away in a conspicuous manner.
Carlos:
Though most likely (and hopefully) you will not have to experience this situation, if you are being mugged please do not try to resist.
Carlos:
Instead, be compliant and seek help after the incident.
Carlos:
Like I said, though, it is highly unlikely that you will find yourself amidst a crime, but it is important to be prepared should it ever happen.
Carlos:
We find that educating students and staff on the correct precautions to take is the best way to increase your safety.
Carlos:
Just remember to be smart when you’re out late at night, and avoid any area or person that looks suspicious. I know it sounds obvious but I cannot stress this enough.
Carlos:
It is also not a bad idea to have your mobile phone with you at all times, but be careful.
Carlos:
If you are chatting on your smartphone on your way home, you are a prime target for thieves.
Carlos:
I’d like to see a show of hands - how many people have left work or the library after 10 p.m to go home before?
Carlos:
A lot of you, right? If you do have to go home late at night, please don’t walk home alone.
Carlos:
More often than not there is someone there that will be walking the same direction as you at some point.
Carlos:
Walk home with a friend or coworker. Even if you must use your phone to call someone that is nearby to walk with you, it is always safer to walk home with someone.
Carlos:
So when you’re walking home, you may feel more comfortable with some sort of self-defense, such as pepper spray.
Carlos:
Now it’s your call whether you want to carry something like this or not. However, I absolutely advise against carrying a knife or any other offensive weapon.
Carlos:
All too often they can be used against you if you are disarmed, putting yourself in more dagger.
Carlos:
For all those interested, the recreation centre offers a free self-defense class to all students every Thursday evening.
Carlos:
While obviously an introductory self-defense class may not equip you to fight off villains like a regular superhero, it does come in handy sometimes.
Carlos:
After taking a self-defense class, you will surely be more aware of possible dangers and how to deal with them.
Carlos:
So hopefully now you have a more complete understanding of the nature of crimes committed on your campus, and how to avoid being a victim.
Carlos:
I know most students at the University of Nottingham are not the criminal types, but remember that there is no barrier like a wall or something keeping non-students out.
Carlos:
There is no army force securing the borders, and I doubt anyone wants it that way.
Carlos:
The campus is generally a safe place, but it is not immune to small crimes once in a while.
Carlos:
Alright. That’s all I have to say for today. Stay safe!