Avon and Somerset Police have been spending time this week visiting freshers fairs at Bath’s two universities to help new students to the city keep themselves and their belongings safe when they are out of their accommodation.
Student accommodation is targeted by burglars because from one break-in they can help themselves to multiple goodies.
Advice given by the policing teams included:
- Many burglaries are crimes of opportunity. A burglar only needs to spot an open window or unlocked side gate to make their move. So – lock all doors and windows.
- Property marking – mark all of your valuables with a UV pen and/or permanent marker pen with your postcode and house/flat number. It may be best to use your parents’ postcode as you will be moving address or add your student number. Keep a record of serial numbers and register your items for free on www.immobilise.com.
- Record the 15 digit IMEI number of your mobile phone which you can find by doing *#06#.
- Back up work onto a remote hard drive or memory stick which is stored separately from the computer.
- Destroy paperwork with any personal details on, especially any financial information.
- Keep valuables away from desks/tables near to open windows.
- Keep bicycles out of sight and use a good quality chain or padlock to secure it to a firm anchorage point.
Both us and the police want you to keep safe in Bath. If you have any problems please contact them on 101.
You can find out more about how Avon and Somerset Police are keeping you safe by visiting their Operation Relentless section and report intelligence, in confidence, through their online form.
