Students from the University of Nottingham have braved the winter to help police spread crime-prevention advice during the Dunkirk Week of Action.
On February 5, volunteers were knocking on doors to pass on simple advice to make sure fewer people fall victim to burglary.
Those living off campus will be advised to close all windows and lock all doors before going out, to put all laptops and valuables out of sight and use free services such as SmartWater, to mark their property so that it can be traced.
Melanie Futer, Manager off-Campus Student Affairs, said: “Most burglars are opportunists, and a third of student burglaries happen when homes have been left insecurely. We’re hoping that by offering some simple advice, we can help more students to take responsibility for their possessions and make sure they don’t give burglars any chances.
“The Love Your Stuff campaign has been a great success in the past, as shown by the decrease in the number of burglaries. This year we are very hopeful that we can spread the crime prevention message further by again working closely with students and with the police.”
Nottinghamshire Police are also urging students to register electrical items, including mobile phones and computers, on the Immobilse property database. This helps police reunite stolen items with their owners.
Meanwhile student ambassadors were joining police as they go out on patrol in burglary hotspots. About 20 students from the university with officers from Canning Circus Police Station on Thursday, February 9 sought to combat the number of burglaries, thefts and other crimes in the city, particularly areas that are highly populated by students.
During the patrols, between 4pm and 7pm, the volunteers accompanied officers around Lenton and Radford areas, handing out crime prevention advice to residents. Inspector Rob Wilson, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Canning Circus, said: “We have teamed up with student ambassadors in previous years and it has proved to be very successful.
“They accompany our officers on patrol and help share crime prevention advice with their peers, helping to keep fellow students safe. It’s a great way to ensure that students are clued-up on what they can do to protect themselves from becoming a victim of crime and their property from being stolen.”
Melanie Futer at the University of Nottingham said: “The fact is that burglary in Nottingham has decreased, but there is still more to be done and we’re very hopeful that we can spread the crime prevention message further by working closely with students and the police.”
