Additional CCTV has been installed in Fairfax House following a spate of thefts over Easter.
University Security Services are extending the campus-wide CCTV as part of a series of reforms after serious complaints were made about the facilities at the housing block last year. Two additional CCTV cameras were installed at the entrances to Fairfax House last week.
Unlike other university accommodation, Fairfax House does not have a Porter’s Lodge and relies on nighttime security patrols. Fairfax residents have reported food thefts, parcels going missing and even strangers walking in off the street in recent weeks.
First-year student Leon Morris said that he was happy with the changes that had been made. “The fact that CCTV has now been installed will make a great deal of residents feel a lot more comfortable.
“I have just left Fairfax due to the happenings during Easter and this term. And, as for internal thefts, I doubt very much that any improvements would progress this term. Welfare discussions should really commence immediately.”
Previously when students had complained and requested CCTV, their demands were not met, and students were told by the university to be more “aware of the importance of vigilance about security.”
Last year Vision reported that a man impersonating a policeman even broke into Fairfax in the early hours of the morning and attempted to enter student bedrooms.
Vanbrugh College Chair Matt Stephenson told Vision the cameras have been placed “to increase the security and safety of the residents and to make sure that complaints from nearby houses regarding inappropriate behaviour from Fairfax residents [are dealt with].”
I am very disappointed at the article you have decided to publish.
As a Fairfax resident, I have encountered little of what you have described.
– Food theft? This occurs in all university/communal accommodation worldwide; Fairfax has no more than average.
– Post theft? This is new to both the people I live (and I have asked extensively with and myself.
– Randomers wandering in? Has any Fairfax resident seen these people (people who are not the express guest/s of a resident?
The cameras have been a long time coming. To quote emails from both the provost and the resident tutor, the cameras have been installed so that “any unauthorised activity around Fairfax, such as disturbance or unauthorised access, the CCTV can be checked to see who the culprits are.”
Fairfax House is once again being demonised as the university budget hole, whilst in fact it is a social and communal hub that doest a great deal to contribute to both the Vanbrugh and University Freshers’ experience.
Poor reporting from an ex-resident and poor publishing paper edited by ex-Fairfax residents. Exploitation for exploitation’s sake.
Comment edited by moderator
The thefts are happening inside Fairfax. This wouldn’t help unless the cameras were pointing at the fridges or the post rack. I haven’t encountered any “strangers walking in off the street” and if that does happen then it’s our own fault for not closing the door properly.
Food theft is far, far, far more prevalent in Fairfax than in any other Vanbrugh block, confirmed last year by the Fairfax Tutor having to hold emergency meetings on the matter unlike any other block.
The writer is not an ex-Fairfax resident.
Regarding walks in, “Last year Vision reported that a man impersonating a policeman even broke into Fairfax in the early hours of the morning and attempted to enter student bedrooms.”. STATED IN THE ARTICLE. Notable, we had a lot of people walking in last year; harmless people normally here for whatever block party, but the fact they found ways in without a resident is worrying.
No one doubts Fairfax’s spirit. No one at all has mentioned this taking up a chunk of the budget other than you. No figures on how much it costs are in the article.
Read, think, then reply,
Ben Huckle.
TWO TWOS NAAAAAAAAOOOOOW
WHEN MAN WAS IN FAIRFAX, DEM WAH NUFF GALLY
MAN DIDNT EAT FOOD, MAN TOO BUSY WITH HIS MOUTH FULL OF NUFF BUFFNESS
CCTV? CANT CATCH ME. HOOD TING.
PEACE.
FAIRFAX WAS PENG. GET ME. MAN HAD NUFF GOOD TIMES IN THE SHOWERS. RADOX TING.
hopefully these cameras wont catch me on the prowl…