Crime
Bike Security
Students are easy targets for bike thieves, especially around the beginning of term so make sure you keep your bike safe and protected by a good lock. Combi locks won't do as they're easy to break, either by snapping the lock open or using bolt croppers (it can happen!). Get yourself a good D-Lock – the University provides these as a part of their bike safety initative and you can find further information about this here.
If you are cycling then also take some time to familiarise yourself with road safety laws, especially if you're cycling around the city for the first time. PCC has a load of great information on their webpage.
Keeping your house safe
Take some time when you're looking for a house to make sure anywhere you choose in in a safe location, and that the house itself is secure. Student Housing will always be able to offer some guidance on what to look out for, and can point you in the direction of one of their accredited landlords! Once you're in the house there are a few things you can do to make sure you stay safe and your belongings are secure
• Don't leave anything on display – particularly anything that can be seen from outside the house. Think about fitting blinds or net curtains to prevent people looking in.
• Think about security on gates and side alleys. Keep gates and back entrances locked and preferably have gates of a height that can't be climbed over.
• If you have a burglar alarm, remember to set it when you go out.
• Get some timer switches to use on radios and lights. This will make it appear that you are in when you are not (at least two per household). You can get these from most DIY or electrical shops.
• Get to know the neighbours, particularly if they are full time residents, because if you are on good terms with them they are likely to look to out for your property whilst you are away during the vacation periods.
• Keep the front garden clear – it sounds silly, but it can be easy to recognise a student house by the bin bags piled up outside and the general mess in most forecourts! Keep the front of your house tidy and you reduce the chance that opportunistic thieves will target your property
University Police Liaison Officer
The University and Students' Union work closely with PC Dave Fairbrother, the University's Police Liaison Officer, on all matters concerning crime and student safety in the community.
Dave is available from 12.00 – 1.00 outside the University Library on Thursday afternoons, and you can pick up information any time from 'The Well' in Third Space.
Please get in touch with Dave at dave.fairbrother@port.ac.uk
