The Housing Support Team have produced the following information for students regarding security risks you may face in the home and out and about.
Students are, statistically, one of the most likely groups to fall victim of crime, owning more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population. It is no surprise then that one in three students become the victim of crime each year.
If you are worried ask your landlord to help you with extra locks or improvements to windows. Don’t settle for second best. If you live in a house with up to seven other students the chances are that it is very tempting for a burglar to know they can walk through your house like a PC World showroom.
Gloucestershire is a relatively safe county but with any area, you should be aware of your surroundings and take extra care when travelling alone or at night. These tips are not just for women, men are just as likely to be victims of crime:
- Avoid walking home on your own through unsafe/unlit areas
- If you go out in a group, return in a group – make sure you look out for each other
- Never get into an unmarked or unlicensed minicab
- Make sure you look after your belongings and keep them with you at all times
- Walking whilst on the phone, or listening to an MP3 player means you are less aware of your surroundings
- If you are a victim of crime make sure you report it to the police
Listen to your instincts; if your feel in any way nervous, uncomfortable or vulnerable then don’t ignore it. You should never feel coerced or pressured into doing something that you don’t want to; whether it be sex, alcohol, drugs or crime.
Top Safety Tips in Private Accommodation – Don’t be a statistic. Staying safe is all about following a few common-sense guidelines. Read the following tips, which could make all the difference:
- When choosing a house, if possible, select one with strong doors which has good quality locks on the doors and ground floor windows
- Burglar alarms and security lighting also act as deterrents
- Leave a light or radio on when going out to give the impression that someone is in the property
- During the Christmas, Easter and summer vacations take all items of value home with you
- Don’t leave spare keys outside or in a garage or shed
- Make sure you have your belongings insured
- Do not let people into your property without first checking who they are. All official bodies will carry full identification so ask to see identification cards and call the appropriate department if you remain unsure. If in doubt don’t let anyone into your property
- Protect yourself with insurance - keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen. Try and get into a good routine of securing your house every time you go out even if it’s only for five minutes.
What do I do if I have been burgled?
- Call the police
- When they come round make sure they give you a crime reference number as you will need this for your insurance claim
- Do not move anything or tidy up until after the police have been
- Contact your landlord to secure the property if forced entry has been used
- If you live in private accommodation inform the Accommodation Office so we can check that everything is sorted out appropriately
If you do become a victim of crime there are people around to offer advice