Campus Watch aims to tackle student theft
20 Oct 2009
A university endorsed initiative from the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Community Safety Unit of the Northern Ireland Office was re-launched today urging students to take extra vigilance with regards to their personal belongings.
Given the current economic climate, domestic burglaries have increased by 5.4% on last year and it is anticipated with an ongoing recession, incidents of burglaries are set to continue.
Students starting off on their university careers and living away from home for the first time could be identified by opportunistic thieves as being an easy target. To address this issue, the Police Service and Northern Ireland Office have been working in partnership with Queens University Belfast, University of Ulster and Stranmillis University College to provide practical information to combat this threat.
‘Fresher’ students have been provided with a computer pen drive, which have been preloaded with practical crime prevention information. These messages are reinforced through posters and signage erected throughout the campuses. This information is distributed on pocket-sized cards which are carried in a wallet or purse.
Acting Assistant Chief Constable Nigel Grimshaw discusses ‘Campus Watch:’
“Student houses tend to have multiple tenants, and therefore burglars seek out student accommodation to maximise their gain with minimum effort. Large numbers of students own items such as laptop computers, printers, cameras, MP3 players, mobile phones, televisions or games consoles, all of which can be easily re-sold.
“It is important that all students, but particularly ‘Freshers’ who are new to university life, take sensible precautions to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.”
NIO Minister Paul Goggins MP welcomed the initiative saying: ‘This is an exciting few weeks for young students as they settle into university life and this initiative provides students with practical advice on how they can protect themselves and their property.”
Acting Assistant Chief Constable Grimshaw added: “Students living off campus should remember that getting on with local residents is important and can pay dividends when it comes to reporting suspicious activity when you are away at weekends and during the holidays.
“Students should respect their neighbours who don’t want to be kept awake at night by noisy parties, or have their property damaged. “
Acting Assistant Chief Constable Grimshaw gives the following crime prevention and personal safety advice:
- Over 50% of burglaries happen because a door or window has been left open, so lock up properly each time you go out and if there is an alarm, set it.
- Keep bank cards and cheque books separate – keep a note of your card details so you can cancel them quickly.
- Always lock your car – never leave the keys in the ignition and don’t leave valuables unattended in the vehicle whether it is parked on or off campus.
- Mark your property with the initials of your university and your student ID number – this makes it hard for a burglar to sell stolen goods and can help the police to return any recovered items to you.
- Be vigilant when using your mobile phone – if your phone is stolen, contact the police and remember to inform your network provider.
- •Don’t be an easy target – walk in groups at night, stay over with friends or travel by taxi. Remember that your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!
- Don’t leave drinks unattended.
- If possible, use cash machines during the day – be aware of your surroundings – never write down your PIN.
- If you are having a night out, use timer switches to switch lights on, and make your flat look occupied in the evenings and at the weekends.
- Your own safety is the most important consideration. But remember - lock up before you leave, take your valuable items home at weekends and during the holidays, and make sure your property is secure at all times.
- Developing positive relationships with neighbours can play a vital role in ensuring any suspicious activity is reported.
Crime Prevention Officers will also provide workshops and advice centres and campuses throughout the year.
