Students in Canterbury have been given advice on how they can keep their homes and belongings safe over the festive season.
Historically reports of burglary can take place when students vacate their properties during December and so officers from Kent Police’s Community Safety Unit have been speaking to students to help reduce the chances of them becoming victims of crime.
Inspector Guy Thompson, of Canterbury Community Safety Unit, said: ‘We have been working closely with the universities and partner agencies to make sure students have all the advice they need and take steps to secure their properties.
‘Christmas should be an enjoyable time of year and we want it to stay that way. Thieves are opportunistic and it would be awful to come back after the holidays to find your accommodation has been broken into so it is important we do what we can to help prevent such crimes.’
To avoid becoming a victim of theft or burglary:
• Avoid leaving any expensive items on show in your property or vehicles. Get such items tagged so they can be traced back to you if stolen and recovered.
• Make sure all of your doors and windows are shut and properly locked when going out, even if it is just for a short time.
• Remind your housemates about the importance of securing the property and never leave the main external door unlocked for each other.
• Consider using timers on your lights and a radio to make it look like someone is at home and deter burglars.
• Store your coursework online – not just on your laptop – to reduce disruption to your studies if it is stolen.
• Ask a friend or neighbour to watch your property if you are away for holidays or reading week. Clear away any tell-tale signs you are out, such as uncollected post.
Any suspicious behaviour should always be reported via the Kent Police website or call 101 if you do not have access to the internet. In the event of an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always call 999.
For more advice visit Kent Against Burglary | Kent Police
Incidents can also be reported to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or by completing their online form.