Crime
Top safety tips to beat crime
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:
- Many burglaries happen when a door or window has been left open - in a private home or flat, lock up whenever you go out, with deadbolts if you have them.
- In a hall of residence, be careful who you let in or who follows you into the building - lock your bedroom door even if you are only going down the corridor.
- Robbers are after an easy target - walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay over with friends, your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!
- If possible, use cash-machines during the day - put your card and cash away and be vigilant - never write down your PIN.
- Keep cards and chequebooks separately - note down your card details so you can cancel them quickly
- Always lock your car and put valuables out of sight - never leave the keys in the ignition even when paying for petrol
- After a night out, arrange to go home with friends, or in a taxi
- To prevent spiking, don't leave drinks unattended
- 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
- Mark your property with the initials of your university and your student ID number - this makes it harder for a burglar to sell stolen goods and can help the police to return items to you