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‘I’ve been robbed!’
Students have a considerable amount of disposable income and own more expensive consumer goods per head than the rest of the population:
- 70% own a computer
- 86% have a mobile phone
- Not even counting consoles, televisions and stereos.
Unsurprisingly each year 1 in 3 students become the victims of a crime. The main crimes affecting students are muggings, vehicle related theft and burglary.
Despite the warnings people still don't take enough precautions, willing to believe that it cannot happen to them, but 1 in 3 means there's a big chance that it might.
Much of the advice listed below is common sense. Unfortunately it's the kind of common sense which takes an extra couple of seconds to carry out and is usually forgotten. Do not forget that you're an obvious target and try to make yourself less of one. Half of all burglaries occur because a window or a door was left open; an extra 30 seconds before leaving the house could have prevented that.
Hopefully you won't be a statistic, but if you are - report it to the police straight away. Even if you did not see anything you will get a crime reference number which is essential for sorting out insurance and other difficulties which might arise as a result.
Don't worry about what could happen. Just be careful and think about things. Take the extra 30 seconds to lock that window and the chances are you will avoid having any problems.
It can be devastating to lose your belongings or to feel violated by someone else's presence in your home.
Below are some things you should consider doing either when you're sitting at home or when you're out.
At Home
- Always lock your door. If you live in halls do it even if you're just going to the kitchen/bathroom
Make sure your TV, video and other valuables can't be seen from the window and don't leave cash lying around.
- Get yourself insured. This doesn't just cover robberies where only your most expensive items will go; you'll also be covered for events such as fire and flood damage. Before you get insured do a rough estimate of how much it would cost to replace everything you own. Remember to add your clothes, shoes and computer games. Most people typically forget these items when calculating their insurance, clothes cost considerably more to replace then you can imagine.
The average cost of a student burglary is £900 - insurance is cheaper!
At the very least try to get cover for your most valuable items, such as your computer, TV or stereo.
- Keep your valuables safe If you can't take your valuables with you during the Christmas, Easter or summer break arrange for them to be kept in secure storage or leave them with a friend.
- Mark your stuff, use a UV pen to with your name and student ID number or something else unique and identifying to you e.g. - parents post code.
- Leave a light on, if you're leaving the house empty after dark or get a timer plug which will activate the lights randomly.
Out and About
- Be aware of what's going on around you. Especially at night and when you have been drinking.
Try not to wander around at night on your own - stick with a group of people.
- Don't leave drinks unattended. Drinks and cigarettes can be spiked or laced with powerful tranquilizers, Be wary of leaving drinks unattended and accepting them from strangers.
- Keep your phone off the table in cafes and bars.
Most muggings and assaults happen outside pubs / clubs, between 10pm and 6am.
- Try not to use cash points at night. If you must, go with a friend and avoid deserted/poorly lit areas.
- Try not to hang about once you've got your money out.
When wearing a personal stereo remember that you can't hear traffic, or somebody approaching from behind you.
- Get home safe. Have your keys ready well before you reach the door. Carry them on you if possible, not in your bag.
Robbers look for easy targets - Always get a taxi home, never walk late at night. If the taxi driver won't drop you off at the front door you must insist that they do.
When walking in the street, don't make it obvious that you have something worth stealing .e.g. mobile phone , laptop,
Be vigilant when entering your house - a surprisingly high number of muggings occur near people's front doors, as they are distracted.
- Consider carrying a personal attack alarm.
If you are attacked call the police immediately. By attending the scene quickly, the police are more likely to catch your assailants, and possibly stop them hurting others.
Useful Links:
GM Police You can find several crime prevention strategies at the Greater Manchester Police site.
Victim Support - national charity for people affected by crime
Support line - 0845 30 30 900
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