Student safety
- Thieves frequently target student properties because they know students have rarely lived away from home before and may not be as security conscious as other people
- Student properties are particularly at risk of being burgled at the beginning of each term or after Christmas when freshers or returning students bring new possessions with them
- If you are a student, when you go out, even for just a few minutes, always ensure your laptop and other valuables are out of sight and your windows and doors are locked. Do the same when you go to bed at night
- Take the opportunity to have your property marked with Smartwater if it is offered at your accommodation
- Mark all your valuable items with your home postcode using an ultra-violet (UV) pen, and register all mobile electronic equipment with Immobilise on the online database.
- Insure your valuables against theft. Paying for insurance at the start of the term could save you a lot of hassle if you are burgled during term time
- Never let anyone into your halls of residence or shared home without checking their identity first. If a caller is legitimate they won’t mind waiting while you check
- Don’t leave empty electrical goods boxes outside your home as these indicate to thieves that there could be something worth stealing inside
- Never share access codes for halls of residence with anyone who is not a resident of your house, flat or halls of residence
- Get to know the area in which the university and your accommodation is located
- When out by yourself, look confident by walking quickly and purposefully
- Try to avoid walking home alone at night. Wherever possible use public transport and travel with friends
- Don’t walk along talking on your mobile phone. You may not be fully aware of what is going on around you
- When going out, only take with you the money you need for the night, and keep your wallet or purse somewhere safe