Student Accommodation

Safe as Houses

Student Services have teamed up with your Students’ Union to inform students about the security risks they may face within their halls of residence and homes.

We have produced footprint flyers which will be left in student rooms or houses which have been left open warning them that this time it was us but next time it may be someone after your property.  So be diligent, close windows and doors when out and keep valuables out of sight.

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 1 in 3 students becomes the victim of a crime each year. Added to that fact, young people (aged 16 to 24 year old) are around three times more likely to be victims of burglary than people in other age groups, which makes students all the more vulnerable.

It's easy to be trusting of everyone in your halls and simply go out leaving your door unlocked. Most of your fellow students will be very trustworthy but is it worth taking the risk?

Equally if you are in a private home make sure your home is secure. 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 7 other students the chances are that it is very tempting for a burglar to know that they can walk through your place like a PC World show room.

Read the simple tips below and stay safe.

Top safety tips

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:

Halls of Residence:

Your halls may have their own security arrangements, but it’s still worth following these tips:

• Lock your room or bedroom door even if you are just going down the corridor
• Make sure main entrance doors and gates close behind you
• Don’t let people follow you in unless you know who they are
• Don’t leave cash or valuables on display in your room
• If on the ground floor, don’t put your TV, laptop or other valuables where they can be seen from the window

Get to know who lives in your hall.  That way you will be able to recognise any suspicious people roaming around.  Permanent ultra-violet pens are a good way of marking your property.

Private accommodation:

• When choosing a house if possible select one with strong doors which has good quality locks on 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
• Ask a neighbour or friend to keep an eye on your property whilst you are away
• 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
• be vigilant when using your mobile phone - if your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it
• 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 its only for five minutes

Bicycle Crime:

Over 100,000 bicycles are reported stolen every year.  They are a popular target for thieves because they can easily be sold
• Get your bike frame marked with your postcode and stick on a coded cycle sticker as a visual deterrent
• Always lock your bike to something solid, preferably a purpose built cycle rack
• If you have a quick release wheels, take off the front wheel and lock it to the frame and back wheel
• Remove smaller parts and accessories, especially lights, pumps and quick release saddles
• Record all your bike’s details including a photograph.  These will assist the police, who may be bale to match them to recovered bicycles

Your wheels — it may be difficult to protect your car or bike from a determined professional thief, but most vehicle crime is opportunist and you can put them off with vigilance and relatively cheap security precautions.

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 university halls or flats, contact the Accommodation Office and the University Security
• If you live in private accommodation inform the Accommodation Office so they can check everything is sorted out appropriately

If you do become a victim of crime there are people around to offer advice, guidance and support.  Please see the list below:

Student Services
www.glos.ac.uk/studentservices
Counselling — 01242 71 4536 / counselling@glos.ac.uk
Chaplaincy — 01242 71 4593 / chaplaincy@glos.ac.uk
General Welfare — 01242 71 4542 / studentservices@glos.ac.uk
Medical Centre — 01242 71 4400 / http://www.underwoodsurgery.co.uk/

Victim Support
http://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Useful Links and numbers for further information:

Home Office: Crime & Victims
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crime-victims

Crime Reduction — 01452 396 984
http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/

Police — 999
Non-emergency — 0845 090 1234
www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact

Crime Stoppers — 0800 555 111
http://www.crimestoppers.co.uk/

For further information on preventing crime please contact the Accommodation Team on 01242 714 544 / accommodation@glos.ac.uk