Police are urging students not to advertise their belongings to thieves as part of a New Year effort against student-related burglary.
As students return to university armed with new Christmas presents, officers are reminding them to keep them out of sight and to dispose of packaging discreetly to keep thieves on their toes.
Operation Safe Return was launched in September to tackle student-related crime and will continue into the New Year. Officers will continue patrolling student areas and targeting offenders to reduce crime and keep students safe.
Superintendent Stuart Barton from the Metropolitan Division said: “Since the beginning of term we have been educating students about the importance of keeping their property secure and although burglary has reduced by 42 per cent in the areas patrolled by Operation Safe Return, I’d like to remind residents to remain on their guard to keep thieves at bay.
“As students return back to Manchester with new laptops, iPhones and MP3 players, burglars will be on the lookout for homes that they can target. We are committed to making life hard for them and you can help us by ensuring that these items cannot be seen from the window and that all windows and doors are shut and locked, even if you are in the house.
“You should also leave a light on if you are going out to trick burglars into thinking that somebody is in the property. Finally, please don’t leave empty packaging lying around outside or in bins as this will advertise to thieves what you have inside the house. Take it to the tip or dispose of it discreetly to keep thieves guessing.
“I’d urge students to register their valuable items on immobilise.com for free to increase the chances of you having your items returned to you in the event that they are stolen.”
If you are concerned about crime where you live, please contact your local neighbourhood policing team. You can find their details on the GMP website – www.gmp.police.uk
Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council’s deputy leader, said: “Manchester is a great city for students, but we want them to be aware that just taking a few simple steps can mean their time here won’t be marred.
“We’re also encouraging students to advise each other about how they can stay safe.” Students can pass on their ideas about how to stay safe by entering short films into a competition. Winners will receive a laptop computer and their work will be shown at the Cornerhouse Cinema on Oxford Road.
Entries with contact and university details, should be sent to [email protected] by Friday 28 January.
Visit www.manchester.gov.uk/StudentSafety for more guidelines.
