Students Urged to Take Extra Care

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Students returning to the city after their festive break are being warned of the increased risk they face if they fail to look after their new Christmas presents.

Figures show that student property burglaries increased 54% in January 2009 compared to the previous December.

Fay Paterson, Student Liaison Co-ordinator for Safe Newcastle, said: “January is a bumper time for burglars who target student houses. The majority of students return to their digs with brand new and very expensive equipment such as new ipods, laptops and mobile phones. These are always hot products for burglars as they are easy to carry and easily concealable.”

“We’re reminding students just to take that little extra care with their security. Keep your doors locked. Keep your valuable items away from the windows. Don’t advertise your items by leaving empty boxes next to your bin. This tells burglars exactly what you have in your house.”

Police found that the majority of the burglaries could have been prevented simply by keeping windows and doors locked.

Chief Inspector Ged Noble, Newcastle Area Command, said: "It's no secret the vast majority of burglaries that take place across Newcastle - not just at student properties - happen because windows and doors have been left open or unlocked.

"With students returning to the city after their Christmas break they'll no doubt bring with them the presents they've received, which are often valuable.

"Like everyone else in Newcastle, they should follow crime prevention steps to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime. Simple measures such as locking the door can make a significant difference and keep opportunist thieves at bay."

Posters showing students the most wanted products this year have been displayed around the halls of residences and student unions. It tells students the full retail price their parents are likely to have paid for the items and what the burglars are likely to sell them on for. It is hoped the message will strike a cord with the students and make them realise the value of their belongings.

Northumbria Police will conduct a property making scheme in January, with Community Support Officers visiting student properties in Jesmond and Heaton.

Students can find more advice on staying safe at www.knowurstuff.co.uk

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