Personal safety

Your personal safety is paramount, if you feel at risk or in danger - Call the Police (111)

There are a number of measures you can take to enhance your safety, especially if it's after hours.

General Precautions

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid any area which makes you feel unsafe
• Trust your intuition, it could save you from danger

When Walking

• Plan your route. Avoid walking alone late at night and or being in unlit areas
• Walk with confidence
• Remain vigilant and aware of any potential safety risks along your route

Driver stops to speak to you

• Be polite but stay out of reach
• If you don’t trust them, walk away quickly in the opposite direction
• Do not accept a lift from a stranger
• If threatened call the Police (111)

Your Car

• Lock your car and close the windows when you leave it
• Do not leave valuables in the car
• Look inside checking the backseat and hatch before getting into the vehicle
• Once inside, lock the doors and, if possible, leave the windows up until you reach your destination
• If a passing motorist indicates you should stop, stay in your vehicle with the doors locked and the window partly open to speak through. Drive away if you feel threatened

At bars and restaurants

• Avoid accepting drinks from strangers and don’t leave your drink unattended

Someone is following you

• Keep looking ahead and walk briskly
• Cross the road and see if they follow
• If they do, go to the nearest place where there are people
• If threatened call the Police (111)

Security escort to your car

• At City, Grafton and Newmarket campuses, security escorts may be available to accompany you between buildings, to your car if you are working or studying late
• Call Security about 20 minutes before you need the escort: use the UOA Alert app OR CALL 0800 373 7550 to request an escort

After Hours Working

• Ensure you comply with the Access to University Facilities Policy - Section 19: Member’s responsibilities in accessing facilities after hours or working alone

Document Control
Version: 2.0
Last Updated: Oct 2025
Next Review: Oct 2028
Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing