Hi Folks,

It is important to remain concious of your own safety over the festive period. Below is a few points to keep in mind over Christmas to ensure you do not become a victim of crime. The Students' Union work closely with the PSNI to ensure student safety and we would like to offer you the following advice;

Student houses and halls of residence can be a particular attractive to thieves. Thieves are aware there are likely to be a high number of electronic goods inside (Laptops, TV’s, Music Systems, MP3 Players etc).
Student properties are particularly at risk of being burgled at the beginning of each term or after Christmas holidays when thieves are aware the returning students will be bringing new possessions with them
 

Accommodation

During the Christmas holidays, when your house will be empty for a long time, supplement additional security measures

• When you go out, even for just a few minutes, always ensure your laptop and other valuables are out of sight and your windows and doors are locked. Do the same when you go to bed at night.
• In a hall of residence make sure that main entrance doors shut behind you and definitely don’t let anyone tailgate in behind you. Lock your room door even if you are only going down the corridor
• Don’t leave any electronic or high value goods in your student accommodation, bring them home with you
• Put lights on a timer
• Mark all your valuable items with your home postcode using an ultra-violet (UV) pen, and register a description of your property and it’s serial numbers with the online database at immobilise.com
• Ask someone you trust to check on things and lift your post for you

Going out

Remember great nights start and end with friends,

• Plan how you will get home
• If you are out with friends stay together stay safe make sure make sure when you go home you don’t leave anyone behind
• Never use an unlicensed taxi
• Do not walk home alone. Use public transport but if you have to walk always use well lit busy street and never take short cuts down alleyways or across large open spaces
• If possible withdraw any cash you will need in daylight hours.
• If you do need to use an ATM at night make sure you use one that is in a well and busy area. Only withdraw as much as you need and put your money and card away safely before leaving the ATM.
• Don’t accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended.
• If your drink looks different do not consume it
• Never ever Drink and Drive!
• Visit www.gethomesafe.org

Shopping

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Only withdraw what you need.
• Never keep your wallet in your back pocket. Keep your handbag closed and carry it the front of you.
• Never keep your cheque book and card together
• Keep your pin number confidential
• Check the ATM before you use to make sure there is noting unusual about it. If in doubt use a different one
• Never leave any bags including your handbag unattended
• Beware of fake goods being sold on the internet.

Your car

• Always park in a well lit or attended car park. Remember when you park in daylight it may be dark when you return to your vehicle
• Never leave presents or valuable in your car if it unavoidable. lock them out of sight in the boot
• Remove your Satellite navigation and any suction mounted fitting it has from the car
• Don’t leave your car running in frosty weather it makes it easy to steal and your car insurance will not cover the theft
• Always lock your doors and windows
• For long journeys Plan your journey and keep your mobile phone and extra cash on hand in case of emergency.
• Do not use your mobile to phone, answer calls or text when driving! Consider investing in a hands free device
• Do not drive if you are tired or if you have been drinking (even if it was the night before)