Student houses and halls of residence are often located in high-crime areas. Whilst this makes rent more affordable, it means students are targets for opportunistic burglars \u2013 with a startling one in three<\/strong> students falling victim to crime during their time at university. Student houses are easy targets for the following reasons:<\/p>\n Choose carefully:<\/strong> If you haven\u2019t already chosen your accommodation, opt for a place with sturdy locks, doors and windows. Deadbolts and Yale-style nightlatches (the kind that automatically lock when the door is closed \u2013 see picture below) provide an extra layer of security. Double-glazed PVCU windows and doors provide the best security, but if doors or windows are wooden then check for rot and loose fittings.<\/p>\n Make a pact:<\/strong> Twice as many private renters fall victim to burglary as those in halls, so make a pact with housemates to ensure that everyone is on board. It only takes one sloppy housemate to leave your house open to thieves.<\/p>\n Lock up:<\/strong> Thieves rely on students being careless, with propped-open windows and unlocked back doors providing the simplest routes of entry for spur-of-the-moment burglaries. For this reason, it is important to keep windows and doors locked at all times unless absolutely necessary for ventilation.<\/p>\n Cover it up:<\/strong> The simplest and cheapest precaution is ensuring windows are kept covered by curtains or blinds when rooms are not in use. By preventing would-be thieves from being able to see into the house, \u201cchancers\u201d will be unable to see valuables on display. Ensure small items\u00a0such as cash and car keys are kept in a designated safe place.<\/p>\n Insurance:<\/strong> The average cost of a student burglary is \u00a3900. Insurance is a cheaper alternative. At the very least, consider cover for big-ticket items such as bikes, laptops and TVs.<\/p>\n UV pens and serial numbers:<\/strong> Use an ultraviolet pen to mark your stuff with your address. Most student unions stock them but they\u2019re often given out for free at Freshers\u2019 Week, so keep an eye out for the police stall. Keep note of the makes, models and serial numbers of your valuables so that police can return them to you in the unlikely event that they are recovered.<\/p>\n Safety first:\u00a0<\/strong>If you suspect a break-in, stay out of the house and call the police. If burglary is obvious \u2013 for example a broken window \u2013 then 999 should be used in case the offender is still on the scene. If you are unsure, call the 101 non-emergency number and ask for advice.<\/p>\n Home for the holidays:<\/strong> If you can\u2019t take valuables with you during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays, arrange for them to be held in secure storage (simply do an online search for \u2018online student storage\u2019) or leave them with a friend.<\/p>\n Interview with a former burglar on what makes a house vulnerable<\/a><\/p>\n![\"theftinfographic2\"](\"https:\/\/www.polesdirect.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/theftinfographic2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe facts<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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How can students deter theft?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nRecommended reading<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n