Tips for keeping safe

Student safety is of the utmost importance to us and while we provide 24 hour security and surveillance on campus there are certain steps, which you, as a student will be able to take to prevent crime and increase your safety.

Mark possessions with UV pen

In the unlikely event that you are targeted, there are a number of ways you can mark and track your possessions, with the view that one day you’ll be reunited.
 
You can pick up a UV pen relatively easily and it’s a great way to identify any possessions that are yours.
 
We recommend using your name, university and student number. This is a unique identifier and therefore won’t be seen to belong to someone else.

Bring a D-lock for your bike

If you are bringing a bike with you to University, we’d strongly recommend purchasing a D-lock as opposed to a cable lock. Although cable locks are light, durable, and easy to carry around, with the right tools thieves can easily break or undo these and take your bike.

Mobile registration

Mobiles are a great way to keep in contact with friends and family, however they are easy targets for thieves. On average, approximately 250,000 – 300,000 phones are stolen and reported to the Police each year in the UK.
 
You can find out your mobile registration number (IMEI) by dialling *#06#. You will then be able to register your mobile’s IMEI and all serial numbers of your electronic equipment on www.immobilise.com

Close windows and doors

When the weather’s nice or you merely want to get some air into your room, it’s easy to forget and leave your window and door open when you nip out.
 
Remember to check and close all windows and doors before you leave to ensure no opportunist can take advantage.

Get the right insurance

Before coming to university, it’s worth double-checking what insurance the accommodation provides. At Loughborough University the halls on campus provide students with insurance, however this does not cover the possessions outside your room.
 
If you want to have insurance which protects your belongings outside your new room, then it might be worth speaking with your parents’ insurance provider to see if they will cover you.

Don’t leave possessions lying around

If you are bringing a laptop with you or a mobile phone, be careful not to leave it lying around. Many thieves are opportunist, so if you want to keep your possessions don’t give them the opportunity.

Keep a copy of important details

Make a copy of passports, credit cards and bank details so that if they do get stolen, you have the details to be able to cancel them.
 
Top tip: don’t keep your copies with the original version. 

Be discreet

Try to avoid drawing attention to the valuables you have on your person. Avoid getting your phone out in public, avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you and avoid showcasing valuable items.

Stay together

If you go out with a group of friends, stick together and look after one another. If you want to go home, make sure you go with a friend and avoid going home alone.

Plan how to get home

If you are going out with your new friends, be sure to plan how you intend to get home. Are you getting the bus, a taxi or are you walking. If you are getting a taxi save the number in your phone.
 
Make sure you put some money aside for the taxi or bus journey home.

The right path

When walking to and from places, try and stick to busy routes and avoid poorly lit areas and alleyways where there is little footfall.

Be sensible

It’s easy to get swept away in the moment, however it’s important to keep your wits about you when you are out and about. If you feel uncomfortable and don’t want to do something, don’t feel pressured. Also, if one of your friends has had too much to drink and needs looking after, be the one to take them home and look after them.