Keep Your Digs Safe And Secure!
Student homes can often be attractive propositions to criminals - they know they can have more possessions than an average family home, thanks to several occupants each having their own TV, computer, stereo and so on.
The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk of burglary and also to ensure that, should you be unlucky enough to fall victim to crime, you are not left badly out of pocket.
Home Contents Insurance
It costs around £900 to replace everything stolen after an average burglary, yet insuring all your property can be as little as £20 a year. When you consider some of the items the average student will have at home - laptop computer, mobile phone, iPod or even that bundle of cherished CDs and DVDs - this is a great investment. Replacing just 20 CDs could cost around £300 if they get stolen!
Get yourself good home contents insurance to cover your valuable items and shop around to find the best deal for you. Ask your parents if their home insurance would cover your property - sometimes it can be cheaper to add it to their policy than buying your own. If you can't afford to cover everything, make sure you get insurance for your most expensive valuables.
However you arrange it, make sure you get your insurance sorted before you arrive at uni or college - many thefts take place within the first few weeks of term and in the run-up to Christmas.
Get Your Property Marked
Security marking valuable items will discourage burglars from stealing them by making it difficult to sell them on. It will also help the police to ensure they are returned to you if they are stolen but subsequently found.
If You Are Living In Halls of Residence…
The good news about halls of residence is that, because they are provided by your university or college, they tend to have good security features built in, such as lockable windows and access-controled doors. But all the security features in the world won't help if you don't use them properly.
- Use your window and door locks when you are not in the room. That includes popping to the kitchen or to see a mate elsewhere in the building!
- Don't leave valuables on display. If thieves can see in through the window, your objects are just as on show as in a shop.
- Don't rely on the access controlled door as your only means of security. These can only work when they are shut but too often they get left open, or people helpfully hold it open for strangers! Don't give out the code to non-residents.
Renting A Property?
Rented properties in the private sector can come in all shapes, sizes and conditions, so it pays to do your homework to make sure you find a safe and secure property to live in. Most universities and colleges or their Student Unions can supply you with a list of approved landlords, while following the simple checks below will help to ensure you stay safe and secure.
- Don’t leave anything on display – particularly anything that can be seen from outside the house. Think about fitting blinds or net curtains to prevent people looking in.
- Think about security on gates and side alleys. Keep gates and back entrances locked and preferably have gates of a height that can't be climbed over.
- If you have a burglar alarm remember to set it when you go out.
- Get some timer switches to use on radios and lights. This will make it appear that you are in when you are not (at least two per household). You can get these from most DIY or electrical shops.
- Get to know the neighbours, particularly if they are full time residents, because if you are on good terms with them they are likely to look to out for your property whilst you are away during the vacation periods.
If you are unhappy about the condition of your house, your student’s union advice centre will be able to help and advise you. You can report your house to your local council who will inspect it for a number of health and safety hazards and can enforce the landlord to improve the standards if necessary.
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