Student Safe campaign aims to reduce student related crime

The years spent at university can be the more exciting, formative and inspiring time of anyone life. Whether it’s creating new relationships, developing independence or expanding knowledge, the experiences one has during this time are often extremely valuable

One of the most important, yet perhaps underappreciated lessons to be learnt at this juncture is that of becoming responsible for you own personal safety and belongings. 

Greater Manchester Police, in partnership with the city’s universities, Manchester City Council and Manchester Student Homes run an annual campaign to bring students’ attention to the important roles they can play in tackling crime in Manchester and preventing themselves from becoming a victim. 

The campaign provides six police officers and ten community support officers, dedicated to the specific areas that the majority of students reside in. This increases visibility of the police which in turn drives crime down, as well as providing a platform for developing intelligence about the areas so they might benefit in the long term. 

There are also many ‘Student Safe Zones’ across the city centre. The businesses that have signed up to the scheme can offer a place of sanctuary if people feel at risk when out an about in the city. Once inside staff can call the police or a taxi to make sure people get home safely. These venues are clearly marked with a sticker, declaring themselves part of the scheme.

Sgt Craig Hodson of Greater Manchester Police told The Northern Quota: “Every September, Manchester takes in anywhere between 80,000 and 110,000 extra inhabitants in the form of students. The Student Safe campaign aims to make sure this transition happens as smoothly as possible, helping to assist with harmonious cohabitation with locals, as well as offering advice on how students can protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.”

It’s an unfortunate fact that students, who are often young, naïve and living away from their parents for the first time, present a realistic opportunity to those who would seek to take advantage of their potentially lackadaisical nature. 

Coupled with the fact that students often own items of high value such as laptops, tablets, mobile phones and games consoles, criminals will often view students as easy targets for theft or burglary.

Sgt Hodson offered some simple advice: “Make sure you lock your doors and windows, especially if you’re going home for an extended period of time, such as over Christmas. Also, if you’re going on a night out, leave a light on as this will often lead would-be burglars to believe there is someone in the house and dissuade them from attempting to break in.”

If you would like any further information, there is plenty available on the Greater Manchester Police’s website and Twitter page.