Student Safe Campaign
Greater Manchester Police’s Metropolitan Division recently ran a crackdown on student crime with the help of volunteers.
PC Scott Schofield from the Student Safe team dressed as a burglar complete with swag bag in his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of home security and keeping your valuable safe from prying eyes.
As part of a two-week operation he was joined by student volunteers who helped get the message across. They visited student addresses where they left an inflated balloon in the property if they found it was insecure and a deflated balloon if was locked and secure. On all balloons crime prevention advice was attached as well as details of the student Facebook page, which can be found by searching Manchester student safety.
Inspector Andy Sidebotham said: “We launched our student safety campaign on 17 September 2011. Since its launch we visit around 90 student homes a day to offer advice after properties have been left insecure. This is very frustrating for us as our figures show that one in three student burglaries are a result of windows and doors not being locked.
“We don’t want this tactic to alarm anyone but we do hope methods like these can educate students about the importance of locking their windows and doors and keeping their valuables hidden from prying eyes.”
Since the student campaign was launched officers have been delivering a number of safety talks to new students urging them to become more security savvy. Others have been shown a short film featuring GMP officers, Manchester students and ex-offenders, about keeping yourself and your property safe.
Inspector Sidebotham added: “We know that students are here to enjoy themselves as well as study but I would like to take this opportunity to advise them of some really simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime - while out and about, stick to well-lit areas, stay in groups, pace your drinks and keep valuables such as phones and mp3 players out of sight.
“At your student accommodation, make sure that doors and windows are locked, even when you are in, and remember to set the alarm. If you’re going out at night, leave a light on to give the impression someone is home.”
Students are also encouraged to register their valuables on www.immobilise.com. It’s a quick, easy and free way of logging the details of your property on a national database that police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.
Please visit our website to find out more about Greater Manchester Police.
Student Safe Campaign
Greater Manchester Police’s Metropolitan Division recently ran a crackdown on student crime with the help of volunteers.
PC Scott Schofield from the Student Safe team dressed as a burglar complete with swag bag in his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of home security and keeping your valuable safe from prying eyes.
As part of a two-week operation he was joined by student volunteers who helped get the message across. They visited student addresses where they left an inflated balloon in the property if they found it was insecure and a deflated balloon if was locked and secure. On all balloons crime prevention advice was attached as well as details of the student Facebook page, which can be found by searching Manchester student safety.
Inspector Andy Sidebotham said: “We launched our student safety campaign on 17 September 2011. Since its launch we visit around 90 student homes a day to offer advice after properties have been left insecure. This is very frustrating for us as our figures show that one in three student burglaries are a result of windows and doors not being locked.
“We don’t want this tactic to alarm anyone but we do hope methods like these can educate students about the importance of locking their windows and doors and keeping their valuables hidden from prying eyes.”
Since the student campaign was launched officers have been delivering a number of safety talks to new students urging them to become more security savvy. Others have been shown a short film featuring GMP officers, Manchester students and ex-offenders, about keeping yourself and your property safe.
Inspector Sidebotham added: “We know that students are here to enjoy themselves as well as study but I would like to take this opportunity to advise them of some really simple steps to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime - while out and about, stick to well-lit areas, stay in groups, pace your drinks and keep valuables such as phones and mp3 players out of sight.
“At your student accommodation, make sure that doors and windows are locked, even when you are in, and remember to set the alarm. If you’re going out at night, leave a light on to give the impression someone is home.”
Students are also encouraged to register their valuables on www.immobilise.com. It’s a quick, easy and free way of logging the details of your property on a national database that police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.
Please visit our website to find out more about Greater Manchester Police.