Safety and Security at Rhodes University
Your safety is also your responsibility. Take care. Find out more:
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What to do if you are a victim of crime
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Lost and found items
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Tips for students living off campus
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Security considerations when undertaking field trips
Message from the Dean of Students
While Rhodes is relatively small, and the campus might give the impression of being a safe little haven, far from the hustle and bustle of big city life, don’t be fooled! You are not living in a secure little bubble: criminals are mobile, and there are plenty of them here in Grahamstown!
One of the social realities which impacts on general safety and security of our students is the fact that Grahamstown has a HUGE unemployment rate, and there is a worryingly high level of poverty in the community. People in desperate need often take desperate measures. When they see a student walking down the street with a cellphone in her Gucchi handbag, with and earphone linked to i-pod in her pocket, the temptation is huge.
These criminals are particularly interested in students for other reasons: firstly, students tend to have expensive laptop computers, cellphones and i-pods and other gadgets – and all of these things are light, portable and very easy to sell and convert into cash. Secondly, they know that students often drink too much. There is nothing easier than mugging a woozy and enebriated student, grabbing their wallet, pushing them over and running away. So don’t make yourself a vulnerable and easy victim.
And please don’t give money to people who approach you and beg! Because of the lack of unemployment opportunities in Grahamstown, we have many people who loiter close to the campus, and ask students for money. It is NOT HELPFUL to give these people money. This creates a culture of dependency, and undermines the efforts that various NGOs, and the University, are making to work with the community in encouraging people to acquire skills which will lead to self-employment. I appeal to you rather to give generously to these NGOs, who can make excellent use of your donations. For example, you can give money to GADRA or the local Soup Kitchen. Just visit our Community Engagement offices on campus and find out how to channel your money.
So remember, while Rhodes does its best to ensure your safety on campus, you also have a role to play. Be watchful of your belongings, do not display valuable items in public, take precautions to avoid placing yourself at risk, and you should be fine.
More info
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Contact: RU extension 046-603.8146/7 or 8999 (emergencies)
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Manager: Mr Dave Charteris, cpu(at)ru.ac.za
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Map: search "Campus Protection Unit" at www.ru.ac.za/static/campusmap/
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Searching for info? Go to the Search Box (top right side of this page)
Return to the Campus Protection Unit front page, or go to the Rhodes University Facilities Management front page
