YUSU

Student Safety: Possessions

Created: 10/12/2009. Updated: 18/06/2010.

Looking after your belongings

It is a sad fact that students can be seen as "easy targets" by some criminals. Even though York has relatively low crime some common habits of student households can leave you vulnerable to an opportune thief....there are a few things you should take account of when you're thinking about the safety of your things!

Firstly have a watch of this video , it should give you an idea of what to avoid! Any time you leave a door unlocked, window open, an obvious way of breaking in to your house or some other clear security failing there is the opportunity for someone to take advantage of it. Getting into good habits is crucial and its worth having a look at how your house measures up on the housing checklist we provide in terms of security: If you don't think it measures up talk to your landlord, they may be willing to sort it out!

In general it is important also that you ensure that you take full advantage of the different systems in place to protect you from theft if you (or a housemate) does make a mistake:

Bike crime Bike crime is one of the most common types of crime in York, but it is simple to avoid. Buy a strong lock (preferably one of the stronger D locks or a thick cable chain) and ensure that it goes through one wheel and the frame, with a second slimmer chain going through the other wheel and attach it to something fixed and you should have no serious worries about having your bike stolen. Don't forget whilst your accessorising your bike that there are stiff fines for cycling without lights (£30 per light missing) and on the pavement as well - so avoid those!

Insurance We strongly recommend that you purchase insurance. Endsleigh are a firm who are closely connected to the Union and carefully part controlled by our national representatives, so you can be sure they have your best interests at heart! Check out the website here . Crucially they can insure against walk in thefts (i.e. if someone forgets to lock the door and your belongings are all stolen) which makes them a necessary part of student living...

Immobilise is a national register where you can put in your belongings and mark them to ensure that, if the police were to pick them up, you could get them back! Check out the website here .

In general most of keeping your stuff safe at university is taking advantage of those opportunities you can and using common sense. If you need more advice and information the NUS has a useful mini sigh called the lock which you may want to have a look through.