Police issue Christmas safety advice to students
08 Dec 2009
As the current academic term draws to a close, Police have urged students across Northern Ireland to secure or remove their high value possessions from unattended accommodation over the festive break.
Head of Crime Prevention, Inspector David Connery explained: “With many students returning home for Christmas, their accommodation may lie empty for a number of weeks, so it is vitally important to take a few simple steps which could prevent a burglary.
“Student houses tend to have multiple tenants, giving burglars the potential to maximise their gain with minimum effort, so it is essential that valuable possessions should either be removed or at a very minimum, locked away from view.
“Where possible, don’t leave valuable items behind, particularly smaller high value items which are relatively easy to steal and difficult to trace like mp3 players and in particular laptop computers – imaging losing an entire term’s worth of coursework!
“Students should also remember that getting on with local residents can pay dividends when it comes to reporting suspicious activity when you are away at weekends and during the holidays.
“This is one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life, living away from home for the first time and meeting new people. Being a victim can be a devastating experience, but there are practical means to combat crime.
“Please remember to make sure everything is locked before leaving, turning off all electrics, closing all windows and setting all alarms. It only takes 5 minutes to check everything is safe and secure.
“We have worked closely with all the University bodies to tackle burglary, both on and off campus. Initiatives such as Campus Watch have benefitted the student communities, providing useful information and advice.
“On behalf of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, we wish all students across Northern Ireland a very happy and peaceful festive period at home.”
