Starting University is exciting and you should enjoy being a
student but be aware that criminals see
you as easy targets. There is no need to panic just
follow our advice to stay safe and you will have
the most enjoyable university experience possible. This guide has
been produced for your information based on other student’s
experiences and the problems the police regularly have to deal
with.
Take the test
If you want to win a free UV marker pen kit, take our
student survival guide test
A few hints and tips
- Purchase contents insurance before you get
there - do you really want your new laptop being stolen in your
first week?
- Make sure you have secure door and
window locks - half of break ins are through
unlocked doors and windows. In the long run you will save yourself
time and hassle just by double checking that all windows and doors
are securely locked.
- Use a UV pen to mark your possessions with
your name and student ID number - this is the first thing police
look for when handling stolen goods, therefore if your stolen
property is recovered you’re more likely to get it back.
- Make sure you have a map of the campus - so
you know where you are going and are not wandering around lost late
at night. Looking lost and drunk makes you an easy target for
predators.
- Carry around a personal alarm with you at all
times, if you are walking alone late at night carry it in your
hand.
- Have a list of emergency contacts - make your
housemates aware of these numbers.
- If you need to use a cash machine try and do
so during the day and go with a friend.
- If something does happen report it to the
police and campus authorities immediately - you could prevent it
happening to someone else.
Stay safe when drinking
Drink spiking is on the increase, pepople do it to be funny or
leave you vulnerable to attack - It only takes 15 minutes for the
effects of "rape drugs" to take affect - they can wipe out 8 hours
of memory. There is a common myth that only women get their
drinks spiked - men's drinks get spiked too. The below tips can
help keep you safer when drinking:
- Don’t accept a drink from a stranger - you
don’t know what they may have put in it.
- Leave your drink with someone you trust when
you go to the toilet or go for a dance.
- If you suddenly feel odd or unusually drunk, ask a friend to
take you home.
- Look out for your friends make sure you all get home safely, if
one of you is driving ask them to be the ‘designated drinks
watcher’.
Look after your property
- Don’t just think about doing it - use a UV pen
to write your name and student ID number on all your
valuables.
- Keep a record of the make,
model and serial numbers of
electrical equipment too.
- If you have a laptop don’t carry it around
with you if you can help it, if you do have it on you disguise how
you transport it. Use your common sense and don’t leave it
on display.
- A lot of students decide to cycle to
University which is a great way to save money however if you don’t
want your bike to be stolen make sure you have a secure
lock on it. Additionally it is a good idea to mark your
bike with a UV pen.
- If you have your mobile phone stolen it makes
it a lot easier to cancel if your phone is registered and you have
a record of your IMEI number. To cancel
your phone you can simply call 08701 123 123. For more
information on handset security contact the Mobile Industry Crime
Action Forum on 020 78778 9864.
- It’s obvious, yet still the majority of cars that are stolen
are ones that have been left unlocked. Make sure you always
lock your car and never leave the keys in the
ignition, even when you are filling up with petrol. Think about
where you are parking - is it safe? Why not invest
in a steering wheel lock, it will cost you less in
the long run. As with all thefts don’t give thieves the incentive
by leaving things on display i.e. CDs.
- When you are visiting cash machines always
go in daylight in a built up area. Make sure you
cover your pin with your hand as you enter it and
only get out what cash you need for that day.
- When shopping online be aware of using
websites that do not display the secure site
symbol at the bottom of the page. Additionally if you have
online banking try and avoid logging in on public computers.