Police advise students on crime, disorder and personal safety

As a new university term gets underway Detective Inspector Sean Fitzpatrick is also eager to keep students safe and out of harms way.

He said: “It is important that all students, but particularly 'Freshers', who are new to university life, take sensible precautions, to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime now, and in the future.”

“We recognise that for some students this will be the first time they will be living away from home. However, with this new found freedom comes responsibility. A responsibility to keep yourself and your belongings safe, a responsibility to get on with your neighbours and a responsibility to get home safe at the end of the evening.”

“When planning a night out, arrange your transport home in advance. Stay with friends, and do not drink to excess or to the point where you are incapable of looking after yourself."

“In previous years house parties have been a cause for concern, with many local residents having their lives and their sleep interrupted as a result of loud music, people shouting, or disorder that has spilled out onto the street.

“ I want to see a change for the better this year and want students to show more respect for their neighbours and to recognise the negative impact their actions can have on residential communities.

“Remember that you are responsible for your own actions and don’t forget that details of any offences that occur and details of complaints of noise nuisance or rowdy behaviour will also be passed to the Provost.”

Det Insp Fitzpatrick added: “We would also urge students not to advertise that they are having a house party by placing a poster in the window of their accommodation. This is a bad idea because it alerts criminals, and leaves the occupants vulnerable to assault and theft.

“Only invite people you know and can trust, and to be on the safe side – lock valuables and laptops away somewhere that they can’t be seen or easily found.”

“In previous years the security of course work has been neglected and some people have lost years worth of material as a result of a computer being stolen. This is particularly heartbreaking for those concerned, so always make a copy and keep it somewhere safe and secure.

“You are now part of the local community, so please have respect for other people and their property. Residents don’t want to have their garden furniture moved to the other end of the street nor do they want to have signs removed from or deposited on their property.

“They have seen it all before, and believe me, they don’t need to see it again. Curb your enthusiasm because what might seem like fun at the time often causes others a great deal of upset and distress,” concluded D/Inspector Fitzpatrick.