► Security at Home

Many students will live in shared housing such as halls of residence or a shared house which can be prone to burglary. Following these few basic tips can help reduce the risk:

• Make sure that you lock your doors and windows when you go out even if you are not going out for long.
• In shared housing, make sure that the main entrance doors close behind you and don’t let other people in with you that you don’t know.
• Do not leave cash and valuables on show in your room.
• Do not leave keys and window locks on display.
• Think about getting some insurance to protect your personal belongings. Check out Endsleigh at www.endsleigh.co.uk for a quote.
• If you rent your property and your property is not secure you could ask your landlord to make some improvements. Pick up a ‘Security Checklist for Rented Property’ from the Students' Union Advice and Information Centre.
• If someone calls at your door, always ask to see identification and ring the company concerned if you have any questions.
• When you go out leave on a light or radio – this will give the impression someone is in - use a timer switch for lights and radios.
• Over the holidays when it is likely that the house will be empty, see if you can ask someone to keep and eye on things for you and take your expensive items away with you. Burglars know when the student holidays are so take some simple precautions.

For more information on crime prevention you can check out the West Yorkshire Police student safety files by clicking here or contacting the local Crime Reduction Officers whose details can be found by clicking here.

Barnsley Crime Reduction Officers, South Yorkshire Police

Chris Squires and John Mynett on 01226 736017