DYFED-POWYS POLICE has issued advice to students who are starting university for the first time and has put together a checklist of security tips.
Superintendent Robyn Mason, head of the Community Safety Support Team, said: “Quite often this is the first time young people have lived away from home. There is so much going on, meeting new people and exploring new places that students often forget about the importance of keeping themselves and their property safe.
“Our universities are set in beautiful areas, so it’s no surprise that they attract students from across the UK and beyond – we want them to enjoy their experience and not fall foul of criminals.
“We also want to safeguard the students from our area who might be moving away for the first time, and help them keep themselves and their property safe while they are away from home.
“One of the most important things to remember is that alcohol can seriously affect your sense of awareness, leading you to take risks. We want students to have fun, but be safe. If you become a victim of crime, or witness a crime taking place, we would urge you to contact 999 in an emergency or 101 if it is a non-urgent matter.”
Uniformed police officers along with PCSOs will carry out regular patrols in areas where there are a high number of student flats and houses. They will also be out to meet students as they arrive in the Dyfed-Powys Police area by being present at freshers’ fairs to provide crime prevention advice, and patrolling busy night spots into the early hours.
Thieves are known to target students and their properties because they know they have rarely lived away from home and might not be as security conscious as they could be.
Students are encouraged to register their equipment at www.immobilise.com. This is a free service which only takes a few minutes to complete, but will assist police in returning stolen equipment to the rightful owner in the case of theft or burglary.
Superintendent Mason concluded: “During the first few days on campus, we advise that you make themselves familiar with the area – pick up a map, bus or train timetable, and save the number of a reliable taxi firm in your phone. Parents can help with this if they are dropping students off at university for the first time.”
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