News Release
Students get home security advice
Dated: 19 Sep 2012
Police are advising students to beware of burglars and keep their property safe as they move into Newcastle.
Officers are visiting student accommodation in the city as the new university term starts, and handing out advice and crime prevention leaflets to newcomers. Police are carrying out extra patrols to deter burglars around the student areas of Newcastle and Northumbria Universities during freshers weeks - when new students arrive in the city.
Sergeant Lesley Wheatley, of the Newcastle Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We're gearing up to welcome new students living in shared flats and halls of residence who are coming to study in Newcastle. For many it'll be their first time living away from home and we want them to enjoy their time here and make sure they don't become a victim of crime.
"We're not here to lecture students but we do want to remind them to make sure they lock bedroom doors when leaving their rooms.
"Students should make sure they don't leave valuables near windows - where they can be seen - and make sure windows are locked shut when they go out."
Officers will be visiting students at their university accommodation to help get the crime prevention message across and give them the advice they need to keep their property safe. Police will also be regularly stepping up uniform patrols beside accommodation to reassure new students and deter opportunist criminals.
Sgt Wheatley added: "Students don't always realise the amount of valuable property they have. From mobiles, to laptops to iPods, the cost soon mounts up. These expensive items are also very portable, easy for an opportunist thief to steal and walk away with.
"Our advice is don't make it easy for thieves - keep it locked - keep it safe."