Make your mark against burglars
POLICE are taking steps to protect students in Hull from burglary.
The crime reduction team visited the University Of Hull this week to urge students to mark their property.
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CAMPAIGN: Crime reduction officer PC Andy Allen has been teaching University Of Hull students about security measures and crime prevention. Picture: Simon Renilson
Officers gave out free UV pens and told youngsters to write their postcode on valuable possessions such as laptops and televisions.
They also encouraged students to sign up to an online recording system called Immobilise, which allows people to register models and serial numbers of items such as computers and bikes so they can be easily identified by police.
Students were also informed about tracking devices available for laptops and mobile phones.
The software allows police to locate the equipment once it accesses the internet.
PC Andy Allen, of the Hull crime reduction team, said: "Students have been targeted by thieves in the past, mainly because they are often quite naive about security.
"We try to speak to freshers as soon as they arrive."
Students welcomed the police efforts to boost their security.
Aidan Mersh, president of Hull University Union, said: "We are pleased to see such a police initiative being undertaken and are willing to support the police in any way during the scheme.
"It is also important to note this is not a one-off and is just the most recent work the police have undertaken aimed at helping students."
Police are planning to project a large advertisement for Immobilise.com on the wall of a university building.
PCSO Craig Towle has been going door-to-door in the area around the university with a laptop and dongle, offering to register students with Immobilise.
He has already signed up 37 students, which is an 80 per cent take-up by those approached.
PCSO Towle will continue his tour of the area until the end of February.
PC Allen said: "Part of the problem with students is we tell them these things, but you can't always rely on them to do what you've asked.
"By going to their houses, Craig can sign them up then and there."
The scheme is part of a city-wide drive by Humberside Police to encourage people to mark or register their goods.
2 Comments
by beeebo
Monday, February 06 2012, 10:37AM
“Why is a Police Constable being paid to give crime prevention advice which a leaflet can give? Surely he should be out doing actual police work, where he can give such advice on a day-to-day basis as i'm sure most police officers do anyway?! Looks like a cushty job for a PC too lazy/ill/scared to do his duty.”
by Jack_Higgins
Friday, February 03 2012, 2:32PM
“Students... hear this:
1. Lock your doors - whether you are in or out.
2. Shut windows when not in the room or out of house.
It's not rocket science. If you live in student houses, chances are you will have the latest gadgets. Students live in groups. Therefore, lots of gadgets!
Most burglars may not be able to spell their own names... but you don't need to be bright to realise that student areas are a goldmine of technical goods. So, just do the basics and exercise some common sense!”