Police in Portsmouth helped the city’s students to avoid becoming a victim of burglary in the run up to Christmas today.
Officers from Safer Neighbourhoods teams (SNT) in the city centre and Southsea spent the day at Portsmouth University’s Library and spoke to a vast number of students as they were preparing to break up for the Chirstmas holidays.
PC Dave Fairbrother of the St Thomas SNT and PCSOs Dave Ronchetti and Katie Yetton from Southsea Central SNT were on hand throughout the day to give students advice about how to better secure their homes, and keep their personal belongings safe.
PCSO Katie Yetton from the Southsea Central SNT said: “It’s an exciting time of year for students when they get to go back home for the holidays to see family and friends, but we want them to remember what they are leaving behind.
“We want students, as well as everyone, to be aware of the steps they can take to prevent a crime such as burglary from happening to them."
Crime prevention postcards and leaflets were given to each student, and some got their property marked with UV pens and tamper proof stickers with a unique identification code.
As well as this, students also received information on bike security and how to stay safe when on a night out.
PC Dave Fairbrother of the St Thomas SNT added: “We want people to remember that if they are leaving their homes for the Christmas break, they must remember to properly secure their homes.
“Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked, take any valuables away with you such as laptops and mp3 music players, and if you have a neighbour willing to help, ask if they can check in on the place while you are away.
“Nearly all crimes that happen to students are opportunistic, but if you leave nothing when you go home for the holidays, nothing can be taken.”
If you would like more information about crime prevention or would like to speak to an officer, you can call us on 101 and ask for your local Safer Neighbourhoods team. Alternatively you can log on to www.hampshire.police.uk and click on ‘Your local policing team.'
Click here to see our advice on keeping your property safe over the Christmas period.
