Students advised to lock up and stay safe before Christmas Police are urging university students to lock up and take all valuables home with them before the end of term. It comes after figures from 1 September 2013 to 31 August there were 931 student victims of burglary and 1,387 student victims of theft from person and robbery. Chief Inspector Arif Nawaz from Greater Manchester Police’s South Manchester Division, said: “We know that unfortunately students will fall victim to crime. This is particularly relevant at this time of year when homes are being emptied and valuables are left lying around for eagled eyed criminals. “The value of an average student’s property is £5,000 per five student household making the festive period even more of a lucrative time for burglars. “Local burglars know where the student accommodation is and will make it their business to find out when holidays start and target homes when they’re unoccupied. “Unfortunately for students criminals also like to get new presents at Christmas but unlike you they don’t mind taking it from someone else. “The best way of keeping your items safe is to take anything of high value home with you over the holidays. Don’t leave them in your accommodation. If you cant take them yourself, then arrange for someone like a parent or friend to collect them on your behalf. It is a bit of a pain, but it will be far less painful than having all your stuff stolen, and the possibility of losing your assignments or dissertation. “As with each year we will be increasing our police patrols to ensure students are kept safe and we have our initiative, Project Ark which focuses on burglary reduction in areas where 40 per cent of burglary victims are students but we can don’t this alone. Students also have a part to play by following some simple security steps: “Keep windows and doors locked both at front and back of the property as well as keeping valuables out of view while in the home and out and about can prevent them from being a victim of crime.” For more information on student safety visit: gmp.police.uk/students or like our Facebook page bit.ly/1vTLLOp. The page includes updates on crime in your area and features useful information and advice on how to stay safe. Students can also download the GMP mobile app for details of police meetings and surgeries in your area. Using the GPS navigation, it also features the student safe zones – these are areas where you can go to when feeling unsafe.
Posted on: Thu, 11 Dec 2014 11:03:57 +0000
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