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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Where to live
3. Get into a good routine
4. Insurance: Get Covered
5. I've been burgled, what do I do?
6. Links

 

1. Introduction

According to Home Office statistics, one in three students become victims of crime before they graduate. You can avoid being one of them. Here’s how:

 

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2. Where to live

• Check the area for signs of crime e.g. broken glass, boarded windows
• Visit at different times of the day and night.
• Make sure your house has:
  • Curtains on downstairs windows
  • Window locks
  • A burglar alarm
  • A solid front door with proper locks
• If you are renting a basement room, check how secure it is
• Be wary of gates and grills as they will make it difficult to get out in the event of a fire.

 

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3. Get into a good routine

• Make sure your home is secure every time you leave the house. Even if you are only popping out for five minutes.
• Lock up properly. Never just use the Yale lock.
• Don’t leave any external doors unlocked when you are at home.
• Never leave valuables on window sills. Keep valuable out of sight.
• Mark your property with a UV pen. (Pens are available free of charge from the Student Advice Centre)
• Take your valuable home with you over the holidays
• Use timer switches when you are out/away
• Don’t leave downstairs windows open when you are not in the room.

If you live in Halls or Flats:

• Don’t let strangers follow you into your halls or flat. If someone lives there, they should have a key so close the door behind you.

• If you’ve got an intercom, never buzz people in who you don’t know.

 

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4. Insurance - Get covered!

Skimp on insurance now and you may regret it later. If you’re not covered how would pay for anything that was stolen?

• Get a policy that covers what you need. Ask questions and shop around for the best deal.
• Check if you are covered by your parents’ insurance.
• Beware of exclusions or special requirements (e.g. locks on bedroom doors).

If you live in university accommodation you may already be covered. See the link at the end of this page for more details. If you’ve got a lot of expensive stuff or want your bike covered, you may need to take out additional cover.

Insurance is not an alternative to being conscientious about security. If a burglar gets in through an unlocked door or window, your insurance company may not pay out.

 

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5. I’ve been burgled, what do I do?

1. Call the police. When they come round make sure they give you a crime reference number as you will need this for your insurance. Do not move anything or tidy up until after the police have been.
2. Contact your landlord to secure the property if forced entry has been used.
3. If you live in university halls or flats, contact the Accommodation Office and the University Security Service.
4. If you live in private rented accommodation contact your insurance company to make a claim.
   

 

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6. Links

• Home Office Advice on personal safety for students
• West Yorkshire Police Crime Prevention site
• University of Leeds Security Service crime prevention page
• Accommodation Office Insurance info
• Crime statistics for different areas in Leeds

 

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Please be aware that we are only able to advise current or prospective students of Leeds University.

These pages are for guidance only and are not a substitute for diverse legislation that they cover. The information was checked and correct at the time of writing.

If you have any comments or queries about this page please email advice@luu.leeds.ac.uk.

© LUU Student Advice Centre September 2004.