Students urged to know their stuff 28 September 2007

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Students in Newcastle are being urged to know their stuff and keep themselves and their property safe whilst studying in Newcastle.

 

Know UR Stuff is a campaign run by Safe Newcastle, a partnership of local organisations including Northumbria Police and Newcastle City Council. Together they are working to make Newcastle a safer place for everyone who lives, works, studies, socialises and visits the city.

 

Students anywhere in the country are three times more likely to be victims of crime, but by taking heed of some simple advice this campaign aims to keep students in Newcastle safe, making their times here happy ones.

 

During this years’ Freshers weeks new students have been encouraged to think about safety through helpful advice and practical solutions.

 

Linking with Northumbria Police’s six week burglary campaign Claire Hall, Student Liaison Coordinator for Northumbria Police and Safe Newcastle, has visited 25 halls of residence across the city with local Police Community Support Officers. Over 5000 survival packs have been given out containing handy and sensible tips about personal safety along with a personal attack alarm for use if they feel unsafe when they are out and about. 

 

Freshers have also been encouraged to mark their property with invisible Smart Water or property marking pens so if anything is stolen the owner can easily be traced.

 

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Claire Hall said: “We have had overwhelming interest in the survival packs which is great as the advice given is vital to students, especially those new to the city. I appreciate at this time of year there are far more exciting things for students to occupy their time with, but if safety is ignored the rest of their time studying could be ruined.

 

“The Know UR Stuff campaign is excellent as it is targeted directly at students and offers much more than just crime prevention advice. We will continue to work closely with the universities and student unions throughout the academic year so our messages are heard loud and clear.”

 

Students who are returning to the city for their second and third years are also benefiting from the campaign. Again working with Northumbria Police 3000 packs have been distributed to those living in homes in residential areas of Newcastle.

 

The Make Your Place Secure leaflet outlines some simple steps to take to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary. Timer switches and window alarms have been provided so the students have the tools to make their home safe and they have been encouraged to use Smart Water to mark their property.

 

Know UR Stuff also stresses the importance of students being good neighbours by considering those living around them. Throughout the year campaigns will outline the serious consequences of anti-social behaviour and show how it can seriously damage future careers.  

 

Inspector Don Wade, Neighbourhood Inspector for Jesmond and Heaton said:

 

"Northumbria Police work very closely with the student communities in Newcastle as they are an important part of the city. This campaign is all about increasing awareness for students, not just about crime prevention but also their responsibilities to others while staying in Newcastle.

 

 

 

 

"It is vital that students take a few simple security steps such as keeping doors and windows locked and storing valuables out of sight to deter opportunist thieves, particularly with the darker nights coming.

 

“They can also expect to see extra police patrols in the area and officers offering crime prevention advice."

 

Further advice can be found by visiting the Know UR stuff website at www.knowurstuff.co.uk