KEEPING YOUR HOME SAFE AND SECURE
HOME SECURITY
Students own more small, expensive and easily sold consumer items like phones, MP3 players, cameras, tablets and laptops than a typical family household so this makes rich pickings for burglars. Be careful not to become an easy target.
- Always lock your external doors with the key, even when you are in the property, to reduce the risk of burglary. If any locks are faulty, speak to your landlord to get them fixed
- Don't leave your valuables on show
- If your accommodation has shared access, be careful who you let into the communal areas and don't let people follow you into the property if you don't know who they are
- If you buy new expensive items don't leave the packaging outside next to your bin, instead take it to a recycling bin or to the tip
- If there is access at the back of the property, always make sure that gates are locked and fences are secure
- If you leave the property during the holidays, take your valuables with you or arrange to leave them with friends or family until you return
- Register your valuables on Immobilise, where you can record all of the serial numbers of your goods. If they are stolen, the Police will work with second hand stores to try and retrieve your belongings by searching the database.
FIRE SAFETY - KNOW YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE
Make sure you are prepared should an emergency arise:
- Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows how to escape.
- Make sure exits are kept clear
- The best route is the normal way in and out of your home
- Think of a second route in case the first one is blocked
- Take a few minutes to practice your escape plan
- Review your plan if the layout of your home changes
- Keep the door and window keys where everyone can find them, however, do not leave keys in door locks as this could attract burglars.
Check the West Midlands Fire Service Website for useful information.