HOME SECURITY Put simply, your home represents far richer pickings than a suburban family house even though you have less money. Students own more small, expensive and easily sold consumer items like phones, MP3 players, cameras and laptops, and a student house of five is likely to contain five of each. If you’re careful you won’t be an easy target. For a start, you don’t have to bring everything to your new dwelling – leave some stuff behind. Keeping windows and doors secure is an absolute must. In 3 out of 10 burglaries, thieves don’t have to use force, they get in through an open door or window. If you live in halls lock your door whenever you leave your room, even if you’re only going down the corridor. It doesn’t take long to run in and pick up a mobile phone or MP3 player. If you live on the ground floor of student halls you have to be extra careful about windows; a burglar might not have been planning a robbery but anyone walking past can casually climb in and help themselves to your stuff, even if you’ve just gone to the kitchen for a pot noodle. Friends and acquaintances will be coming and going at all hours of the day so don’t forget to check that all doors and windows are shut
It’s a sad, though not entirely surprising, fact that student homes are often targeted by burglars. Here’s how to make sure yours isn’t one of them and locked, especially if you have been drinking or are going out. If your accommodation has shared access, be careful who you let in to the communal areas and always be wary of people following you in. Never let strangers in without checking they are who they say they are. Reputable trades people will carry ID and won’t mind being asked to show it. If you are in any doubt, don’t let them in.
If renting a house, check the locks before you move in. Pay equal attention to both front and back doors. A high percentage of break-ins are through back doors as they are often less secure. If you aren’t totally confident in their security, you’re within your rights to ask your landlord to install some deadbolts. If you don’t have adequate security, tell your landlord – you are entitled to decent home security. If you have outside space make sure fences and gates are secure before you move in. 36
Keep Expensive Stuff Out Of Sight And Shut Your Curtains When You Go Out. If you buy new expensive items break the packaging down and take it to the tip, don’t leave it in or by your bin as an advert to potential thieves. If you are buying expensive equipment make a note of serial numbers and keep receipts in case you need to make a claim. Expensive or valuable items should be kept well hidden in a safe place if you don’t want to risk losing them. If there are alleyways to the rear of your property make sure they are kept locked. You need to take extra care during holidays as student areas are often targeted during these times. If you can, take all of your valuables home with you and leave as little as possible in the house. It’s also worth leaving lights or a radio on a timer so it seems like you are in. Finally, always make sure your possessions are insured. If the worst happens you’ll need to replace your stuff. Many insurance companies offer student rates so shop around.