Home & Personal Safety

Top 10 Crime Prevention Tips for Students

• Lock your bedroom door (if it has a lock) when you go out
• Check doors and windows are locked at night or when going out – don't assume someone else will do it.
• Make a list of your personal property including the serial number and descriptions. You can use an ultra-violet pen to mark electrical and other items with your post code or other unique form of identification
• Thin ahead! Don't walk home alone late at night – arrange in advance to stay with a trusted friend or pre-book a taxi
• Never leave drinks unattended in pubs or clubs. Mens drinks get spiked too. Try to only have drinks in bottles and keep your thumb over the top when walking around.
• Don't show off your cash, mobile phone or laptop. Don't leave them lying around for people to see and take. Don't keep your credit card and cheque book together.
• When using a cash machine, try to use it in daylight or well lit areas. Be wary of people standing too close and conceal your PIN number when you type it in.
• Always lock doors, windows, the boot and sunroof when leaving your car, even if its only for a few minutes.
• Never leave belongings in your car – even an old coat could tempt a thief if they think if they think there might be something of value in the pockets. If you have to leave anything, lock it in the boot.
• Keep your car topped up with petrol and try to park in busy well lit areas.

Home security is the best way to reduce your chances of being burgled. A lot of burglaries are opportunistic , as a potential burglar sees an open window or other easy point of entry.

When you have moved into your property, improve your home security by acting on the following points:

• Ask the landlord/lady to install window locks, especially on older windows
• If you have deadlocks, (ie those that require a key to open them from the inside as well as the outside) use them. Burglars don't like them, it makes it more difficult to get in and out again. Don't leave the key in an open or obvious place.
• If you have an alley at the back of your property make sure that the gate is securely locked. Burglars love alleyways as it gives them easy and unseen access to your property.
• Join your Neighbourhood Watch scheme.
• Don't leave spare keys outside, or in a garage or shed. Keep keys indoors and out of sight.
• During the Christmas, Easter and Summer vacations, when your property is likely to be empty, take valuables such as computers and stereos home.

Safety on the street

Carry a personal attack alarm

You can pick one up from AWARE for £1. Check it regularly to make sure it still works.

If you regularly go jogging or cycling, try to vary your route and time

Stick to a well lit pavement. If you listen to music when you walk home or go for a run remember that you can't hear traffic, or somebody approaching you from behind.

Self defence classes and safety awareness may help you feel safer and boost your confidence

SORTED run self defence classes so why not give it a go?

Visit the Avon & Somerset Police website for further information