Safe Student Homes
You have no doubt seen recent articles about an increase in burglaries; but unfortunately these crimes happen all the time, it's just more noticeable as the influx of students back to Liverpool takes place. That being said there are a few easy steps which can be taken that should reduce your risk and mean you don't make yourself vulnerable to this type of crime.
Statistics show that LJMU University students have had an average of 9.82 burglaries between the period of May 2013–April 2014. This is a significant figure compared to Hope Student Homes who have an average of 1.24.
One in three burglaries are down to windows and doors being left unlocked and open. Expensive items such as laptops, smart phones, bikes and TVs are among the items that criminals go for, especially if they know the property is a student home. Merseyside Police, in conjunction with LJMU, LiverpoolSU and LSH, want you and your belongings to stay safe.
To avoid being the victim of burglary or theft:
• Take responsibility for your own stuff. Put things like laptops and iPads in your room and lock valuables away before you go out.
• Remind each other to lock the front and back doors of your student property before you go out, go to bed or even when socialising in another part of the house.
• Keep valuables away from downstairs windows as this advertises your things to people passing by.
• Activate your burglar alarm if you have one and make use of any other home security features your student property has such as outdoor lights.
• Contact your landlord if you have any issues with door and window locks, burglar alarms and door chains, etc., as it is their responsibility to ensure the accommodation is safe for you to live in.
• If you have a car at university, get a crook lock and immobiliser and don't leave anything on show when parked up. Park near your house and keep your keys secure inside your home, not in sight or reach of the front door or letter box.
• Make sure your valuables have insurance, there are many websites which will provide you with a quick easy and affordable quote; just give it a search!
Our very own Dan Cole, Vice President Community Engagement added;
“Liverpool is one of the safest cities for students in the UK, as demonstrated by its purple flag status. Student safety is a key priority for LiverpoolSU and we work in partnership with the Police, Citysafe and other key organisations to ensure we take steps to enhance this. By following these simple steps you can protect your house and your valuables. We also advise students to use Liverpool Student Homes (http://www.liverpoolstudenthomes.org/) when looking for accommodation, as they only advertise accredited landlords/letting agents in Liverpool.”
If you need to contact the police to report a crime or suspected crime, you can call 0151 709 6010. You can also report crimes via the new 101 non-emergency number, this can be used to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
By N. Parker
