Information on Loughborough

'Are you easy?' campaign launched for Freshers' Week

Posted on 28/09/2009

police,constabulary,leicestershire police 'Are you easy?' campaign launched for Freshers' Week One of the Bluetooth messages targeted at students

One of the Bluetooth messages targeted at students

Are you easy? That’s the cheeky question being put to freshers arriving at Leicester, De Montfort and Loughborough Universities this week.

Eye-catching posters and flyers with the provocative question have been produced to urge students not to be an ‘easy’ target for thieves. The flyers contain crime prevention advice in relation to burglaries and personal safety and promote each university’s neighbourhood officers and the ways in which to contact them – including via Facebook.

Simon Kirby, Head of Corporate Communications, said: “Students are a notoriously tricky group of people to reach with crime prevention advice. We’re using humour to make this campaign stand out from the crowd, appeal to students and raise awareness of the simple steps students can take to ensure that their time spent at university in Leicestershire is fun and crime-free.” 

Neighbourhood teams for each of the universities will have stands at the Freshers’ Fairs this week where they will be distributing the crime prevention flyers and fridge magnets which list contact details for the Force. Crime prevention messages will also be sent to students’ mobile phones using Bluetooth. 

Leicestershire Constabulary has also purchased 6,000 window alarms which neighbourhood officers will fit in student homes over the coming weeks as part of the campaign to deter burglars and raise awareness of security measures among students. 

PC Harvey Watson is neighbourhood officer for the University of Leicester and vice chair of the Police Association of Higher Education Liaison Officers (PAHELO). He added: “For the majority of first year students this is their first time living away from home. We want to help them to settle into university life and to offer reassurance and advice. 

“The percentage of students that will fall victim to crime during their time at university is very small. However we want to reduce this even further and are urging students to think about some simple crime prevention measures that they can take.” 

Leicestershire Constabulary has the following advice for students: 

  • Many burglaries occur when a door or window has been left open. Secure all windows and doors every time you go out.
  • In halls of residence, be careful who you let in or who follows you into the building - lock your bedroom door even if you are only going down the corridor.
  • Security mark any expensive items, such as laptops and ipods, with your postcode.
  • Take photos and keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen.
  • Make sure your TV, laptop and other valuables can’t be seen from the outside (when it’s dark close curtains and try to leave a light on).
  • Walk in groups at night, travel by taxi or stay over with friends. Your safety is worth more than the cab fare home!
  • If possible use cash machines during the day – put your card and cash away and be vigilant.
  • To prevent spiking, don’t leave drinks unattended.
  • By vigilant when using your mobile phone or MP3 in public and try to keep them out of sight. If your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it.

For more crime prevention advice visit www.leics.police.uk