Student safety
Top ten tips for students:
1. Lock it up
Half of all burglaries happen because a door or window has been left open. If you are in a private home or flat, lock up whenever you go out. Ask the landlord if the locks fitted to your accomodation are British Standard five-lever mortise locks.
2. Safe as houses
If you live 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.
3. Never walk alone
Robbers are after an easy target. Walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay over with a trusted friend. Your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!
4. Watch it
Use cash machines wisely. Put your card and cash away quickly and be aware of who is around you. Never write down your PIN.
5. Put it away
Don’t flash your cash. Keep cards and cheque books separate and note down the name of your card and telephone number of the lost card centre at home so you can cancel them quickly. Do not write down your account details.
6. Vehicle safety
Follow basic rules and protect your car. Always lock it up, put valuables out of sight in the boot and never leave the keys in the ignition – even when paying for petrol.
7. Think when you drink
If you’re planning a big night out, arrange to go home with friends, or in a taxi. Drinks can be spiked. Keep an eye on your drink and leave it with a mate if you go to the toilet.
8. Close call
Take your mobile everywhere, but don’t leave it on display. If you make a call, keep an eye on who’s around. If your phone is stolen, immobilise it (call your network or 08701 123 123). It’s now just as easy to immobilise a phone, as it is to cancel a credit card – and just as important. Once your phone is cancelled, it can not be used on any network, even if the SIM is replaced.
9. Be prepared
Protect yourself with good insurance. Keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen.
10. Mark it up
Marking your property can help to get it back if it is stolen. Mark your property with the initials of your university (e.g: MANU Manchester University, SU – Salford University) and your student ID number OR your postcode and then door number of your permanent residence (parents’ address). Ask your university if they can provide you with a UV marker pen. Ask your university if they can mark your belongings or if they can provide you with a UV marker pen. Alternatively call the community safety unit at Salford City Council.
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This page was last updated on 3 October 2009
