Staying Safe in Your New Space

Prevention Tips

Ensuring your safety and security is paramount so we've pulled together some easy and practical tips to help you prevent burglaries and keep your new space secure.

💡 Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Burglars often target unoccupied houses, especially during holiday periods when students are away. Invest in a light timer to simulate activity in your home, making it appear as though someone is present, even when you're not.

🔏 Secure Your Valuables: Avoid leaving expensive items, such as laptops and mobile phones, in plain sight. Hide valuables away from windows and find a secure spot in your room to store them when you're not around.

📦 Dispose of Packaging Carefully: Discard packaging from new purchases discreetly, especially for expensive electronics. Break down boxes and place them in recycling bins to avoid advertising valuable items to potential burglars. Make sure to cross your name and address off any parcel deliveries too!

💻 Register Valuables: Take proactive steps to recover stolen items by registering them on Immobilise - it's free to use and increases your chance of having stolen goods returned to you as they'll appear on the UK's National Property Register. Document details such as make, model, and serial numbers - when police are trying to return stolen goods their original owners this is the first place they'll check.

🔐 Invest in Quality Locks: Have a bike? Make sure it's secure. Invest in a sturdy lock and store it indoors whenever possible. A D-lock is recommended by West Yorkshire Police as it cannot be easily cut.

What to Do If You Have Items Stolen

Experiencing a burglary can be distressing, and while hopefully it will never happen to you, it's essential to know what steps to take to following any incident.

🚓 Contact the Police: In the event of a burglary, call the police immediately on 101 to report the incident. Obtain a Crime Reference Number, as you'll need it for insurance purposes and to aid in the investigation. Remember if you are in immediate danger or the crime is in progress always phone the emergency services on 999.

❌ Preserve the Scene: Refrain from touching anything in your home until the police arrive. Avoid tampering with potential evidence, as this could hinder the investigation.

💬 Notify Your Landlord: Inform your landlord of the burglary and request assistance in securing the property, such as repairing damaged windows or doors.

🏦 Contact Your Bank: If bank cards or devices containing personal financial information are stolen, contact your bank to block the cards and add extra security measures to your account.

 📝 Document Losses: Compile a list of stolen or damaged items, along with any supporting documentation, such as receipts or invoices. Provide detailed descriptions, including make, model, and serial numbers, if available. Don't forget you can get this information from Immobilise! 

💜 Seek Support: Dealing with the aftermath of a burglary can be distressing. Speak to the Student Wellbeing team or contact Victim Support for free confidential advice. Telephone: 0845 303 0900 or 0300 303 1971 for the Yorkshire and Humber branch (Monday to Friday 08:00 – 20:00).

While moving into your first private accommodation is an exciting step towards independence, prioritising your safety is paramount. By following these home security tips and knowing what to do in case of a burglary, you can help safeguard yourself and your belongings. Remember, staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining a secure living environment in your new home.