Know How.

"50% of burglaries are through an insecure door or window."

Click on the tabs below for useful tips on how to stay safe and avoid crime.

HOUSING.

  • SHUT UP.

    Half of burglaries take place through insecure properties. Ensure all windows and doors are locked at all times - particularly ground floor windows & cellar doors.

  • VALUABLES.

    When you leave the house keep all of your valuables hidden. It takes only seconds but can save them if you are burgled. Also, register your electrical items for free on: immobilise.com. By doing this, the police can return to you any stolen items if they are recovered.

  • BRIGHT IDEA.

    When you leave your house at night give the impression someone is still in and leave a small light on. Also, try to avoid leaving the house in one big group, as this is an obvious way to advertise your empty home to opportunist burglars.

CYCLING.

  • BEST LOCK?

    Knowledge & West Yorkshire Police recommend using a D-lock. Visit soldsecure.com to see if your lock has been tested & approved.

  • MARK IT.

    Make a note of your bike’s model & serial number – as well as marking it with your postcode to aid in its recovery if stolen. Keep an eye out for bike marking events held throughout the year at Leeds University and Leeds Met.

  • BIKE ACCIDENTS CAN BE LETHAL.

    Using a helmet and a front & rear light when cycling at night can be real a life saver.

PARTYING.

  • SPIKING.

    Always keep an eye on yours & your friends' drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. You can also use a spikey to protect your drinks. Visit the NUS Choices website for more information on symptoms & prevention.

  • HOUSE PARTY.

    Thefts are a common occurrence at house parties. Make sure you know everyone that’s attending and keep your valuables secure & hidden.

  • THEFT ON THE DANCE FLOOR.

    Thefts of bags and phones in bars and clubs are on the rise. Never leave bags unattended and try to keep them securely fastened. Visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk/dancefloor for more information.

OUT & ABOUT.

  • WALKING AT NIGHT.

    Stick to well lit and busy streets and try to walk home in a group. Also, avoid using your phone or Ipod outside at night - this will help you be more aware of your surroundings and prevent you from becoming a glowing target.

  • ATM.

    When you’re at a cash machine keep an eye on whoever is behind you. And don’t count your money in the middle of the street.

  • AMBER TAXIS.

    If don't have enough money for a taxi, you can use your student card as payment with Amber Taxis. Simply pass them your card, and your students' union will pay the fare for you. You can then re-collect your card from the union the next day and repay the money owed. Please note this only applies to Leeds Met and Leeds Uni students.

TAXIS.

  • There’s a big difference between taxis and private hire vehicles: taxis are black and white vehicles that can be hailed; private hire cars (like Amber Cars) are personal vehicles that must be contacted through an operator. The private hire cars MUST be booked in advance.

  • If you don’t book in advance, you’re not insured if the driver has a nasty accident. Also, hailing a private hire means that the fare is technically off the radar, allowing the driver to charge you more than the going rate.

  • Terrific Taxi Etiquette
    1. Check that the driver is wearing his/her ID badge.
    2. Ask for the driver’s name when booking.
    3. Sit in the rear right side of the vehicle if you’re travelling alone.
    4. Call or text a friend to let them know that you’re on your way home.
    5. Take a sneaky pic of the cabbie’s number plate, that way it will be a lot easier to identify the driver if you need to make a complaint.

LEGAL HIGHS.

  • They are psychoactive substances (often branded as "Research Chemicals" to navigate around legal loopholes) that mimic both the appearance and the effects of controlled drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis.

  • However, unlike these drugs (which fall under the remit of the Misuse of Drugs Act), legal highs such as Mcat have had their chemical structure altered to avoid being officially classified as illegal substances. Mcat, for example, was originally marketed as plant food and bath salts.

  • Due to their altered chemical make-up, little research has been conducted into their effects - both short-term and long-term. However, these drugs have been known to induce seizures and comas or, in some cases, cause death. Don't be fooled: just because they are legal, it doesn't mean they are safe.

News.

HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST
Knowledge

Download the form to check the safety of your home.

 
NEW RESEARCH FROM BURGLARS GIVES BEST PREVENTION ADVICE
Knowledge

A new piece of research conducted through Police interviews with burglars has outlined some important crime prevention tips.

 
 

In the Know.

  • April Stats Knowledge Blog Mon 20 May 2013 13:55 Two quick-fire stats updates this month! There were 28 burglaries in April; 9 fewer than in March this year...
  • March Stats Knowledge Blog Thu 09 May 2013 09:19 The numbers are in for March (drum roll please)…   We can reveal that there were a total of 39 burglaries...

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