Spotlight on Student Security | The Student Pocket Guide
The new university term is just around the corner, and while you’re busy packing all the essentials (you know, knives and forks… the odd book…), spare a thought for security…
Leaving home for the first time to go to university can be one of the most exciting and daunting times in life. However, amid the excitement and pandemonium of Freshers’ Week, it’s important to be aware of personal safety and home security. Student houses and halls of residence attract opportunistic burglars, with a shocking one in five students falling victim to crime, while studying at college or university!
Moving-in day is often a stressful and busy time, but be careful not to leave your room unattended whilst moving in, as the hustle and bustle of bags and boxes can provide the perfect cover for a burglar to strike unnoticed. Statistics from the National Union of Students website show that the average cost of a student break-in is £900 to cover the cost of replacing belongings and repairing damage – a depressing figure if you’re strapped for cash and struggling to survive on a student loan.
To avoid burglars getting the better of your home, make sure you close and lock all doors and windows when you’re not there – even if you’re only popping out for a few minutes. Without mum and dad around to nag about keeping doors and windows locked it’s also a good idea to invest in a home safe to keep your valuables secure. Security specialist Yale offers a value safe, which is affordable and comes in various sizes. Another top tip is to avoid notes on your door saying you’re away or ‘back in half an hour’ – instead tell your friends face-to-face so that they can keep an eye on your room while you’re not there.
Bicycles are a great way for students to travel; they are cheap, convenient and great exercise, but unfortunately thieves are fond of them too! The best way to protect your bike is to invest in a sturdy bike lock; Yale offers four different types of locks to choose from. For maximum protection, use two locks of different types (a D-lock, robust chain and padlock is ideal). It is also necessary to secure your bike when it is outside your flat or halls of residence, as statistics show almost half of all bicycles are stolen from the owner’s dwelling.
Personal safety also needs to be high on the agenda; living away from home in an unknown city can be a scary experience. After evenings out try to travel home with friends or in a licensed, reputable taxi – remember there is safety in numbers! While you may not have a personal bodyguard like from the World Protection Group executive protection services, if you do walk home, try to stick to main roads and footpaths and avoid poorly lit areas – especially shortcuts, such as parks and dingy alleyways. For additional security, why not carry a personal attack alarm? The Yale personal attack alarm is battery operated and has a built in siren and cord loop for convenience. It is simply activated, easy to carry, discreet, and will provide students with additional peace of mind.
As if you don’t have enough to think about with home and personal safety, we are now edging towards winter and the darker evenings. Recent statistics show that burglaries increase by up to 20% when the clocks change, as criminals take advantage of the darker evenings. To combat this rise in burglary, Yale is now a proud sponsor of National Home Security Month (NHSM), which runs throughout October and is designed to create awareness around home security throughout the dark autumn and winter months. The campaign will focus on a different aspect of home security each week, with hints and tips to help keep your homes and possessions safe. For more information on National Home Security Month, visit the website, Facebook page or Twitter feed.
For more information on the products and services available from security specialist Yale, visit: www.yale.co.uk.
