Through its longer opening hours and busy foot-traffic, National College of Ireland contributes much to the safety of the area immediately around the college. However, the campus is less busy over the summer months, and we are aware of an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour across Dublin city centre, particularly in recent weeks.

NCI has a strong relationship with NEIC community gardaí. Prior to more recent events, the college had already made representations to the Community Sergeant and Inspector at Store Street Garda Station about the increase in anti-social behaviour in the Docklands area and is actively working with the Gardaí to improve the resources and visibility of policing in the area to create a safer environment for everyone.

Additionally, arising from these ongoing conversations, each year during induction, the community gardaí run awareness training for our students about safety and security in Dublin city: this year in Semester 1, there will be an increase in the number of these events to allow a greater number of staff and students to access them.

Protecting yourself
Anti-social behaviour is never the responsibility of the victim. If you are subject to harassment, violence, or theft, it is not your fault. However, there are some actions you can take to protect yourself from opportunistic crime.

1. Keep valuables out of sight. This reduces your chance of being targeted for theft. Be aware, for example, how easy it is for a pickpocket to take a wallet from your back pocket: keep your valuables securely zipped away or in a front pocket.
2. Pay attention to your surroundings. This will allow you to spot potential trouble before it happens.
3. If you are shouted at or have insults thrown at you, walk on as if you haven’t heard anything – even if they are using very personal, very hurtful language. Often, they are hoping to provoke a reaction from you, as an excuse to start a fight, but they will do nothing if you ignore them. 

This last piece of advice is particularly hard to take if you are subject to racist insults. Please, put your personal safety in the moment ahead of any other consideration. You can subsequently report the incident to the guards. You may consider also reporting the incident to INAR (Irish Network Against Racism), who will use this information to raise awareness, campaign against racism, and to lobby for changes in government policy.

Reporting an observation of anti-social behaviour
If you notice general anti-social behaviour in the area around NCI, you can contact NCI security at any time – the College has security on site 24/7. Call +353 (0)1 449 8686 - if the security guard is on patrol, this number will transfer to mobile. 

NCI Security will offer you whatever assistance is appropriate in the circumstances, which may be an undertaking to pass your observation onto the wider IFSC Security Team, or onto the guards at Store Street Garda Station.

Reporting a direct experience of anti-social behaviour
Note: in case of injury or serious crime, please call 112 or 999 and speak to emergency services – do not delay.

If you have been the victim of a crime in the area around NCI, you must report it to Store Street Garda Station, 4-6 Store Street, Dublin 1, D01 W773; telephone +353 (0)1 666 8000

Theft under a value of €500 may be reported online, however if you have items of a greater value taken from you, or if you have been subject to harassment or assault, it is best to report the crime in person.

Supports for students and staff
Often, an experience of anti-social behaviour has an impact beyond any physical injury or loss of property. At NCI, our Student Support Services will ensure students receive any personal support they may require.

For staff, there are also many supports available to help you in your recovery from the shock and possible trauma of such an incident, including confidentially accessible through our Employee Assistance Programme.

Securing our community
Ultimately education and opportunity are key to discouraging anti-social behaviour and, as part of the NEIC community, NCI works long-term with community groups on many initiatives known to prevent anti-social behaviour before it starts. 

However, any city at any time may experience circumstances that lead to a temporary increase in such behaviour, and it is important for us to take immediate, short-term actions to protect ourselves. By following the guidelines above and watching out for each other, we can foster a secure community at NCI.