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The Union is happy to be working with Norfolk Constabulary around Fresher's Week
The Union is happy to be working with Norfolk Constabulary around Fresher’s Week- you can read the latest article from them, below...
Staying safe on the curriculum for new students
Students heading to Norwich for the new term will get a warm welcome from their local policing team next week
Undergraduates starting at the UEA will see officers from University and Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) working alongside the university to make them aware of their local officers and offer crime prevention advice.
New arrivals will be offered a free crime prevention pack online on the ‘Student Safety’ pages at www.norfolk.police.uk, put together by their local policing team.
Officers will also be carrying out high visibility patrols on campus and around the neighbouring residential areas. They will meet new students and residents to discuss any concerns they may have.
In addition to the extra patrols, the mobile police station will be based outside the LCR at the UEA where students are encouraged to get their valuables property marked. The free service will be available from Saturday 25 September to Friday 1 October between 10am and 2pm.
The SNT will also be encouraging students and local residents to register their valuables onto Immobilise, www.immobilise.com, a free secure online property registration service*.
Sergeant Gerry Hanley from University and Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team said “Our pro active approach during Fresher’s week is to welcome the new students to Norwich and make them aware of their local policing team. We are here to listen to their concerns and offer support and advice.
“During the week we will be offering the new students some basic security advice and tips which can help reduce their chances of being a victim of crime.
“We would encourage all students and members of the public to register with Immobilise, which can help reunite stolen property with the owner”.
Dan Youmans, Community and Students Rights Officer at the Union of UEA Students said "Many first year students arriving this weekend face a very unfamiliar environment as this is their first taste of independence and living away from home.
"To secure their possessions and protect their property is vitally important, but may not be at the forefront of their mind when settling in and meeting new people.
"We are pleased the local policing team have taken such a pro-active approach and encourage students to act on the information they are given for a safe start to the new term.”
Students are encouraged to take some basic crime prevention tips:
Home/campus security:
Student flats or residence often have many CD’s, DVD’s, phone and other expensive items:
- Lock your doors and windows - make sure you don’t allow criminals to literally walk into your property and take your precious goods. Whether you are chilling out or on a night out on the tiles, make sure your windows and doors are securely locked.
- Know who is coming in and out of your residence - don’t presume that anyone trying to enter your residence is a student, always check ID.
- Don’t show off your goods – it is tempting to show off your equipment such as your latest laptop, to your friends but remember that criminals will be able to see them too. Store them in a draw, in the wardrobe or under the bed.
Out and about:
As a student it is not only vital you know where your nearest laundrette is, but also any areas that you should be more cautious about visiting.
To stay safe follow these key steps:
- See the light – it is always tempting to take short cuts but is it worth the risk? It is often much safer to keep to well lit paths, it may take an extra five minutes but could make all the difference.
- Safety in numbers - it is always a good idea to try and stay with friends especially at night. Such as waiting for a friend getting cash out, ensuring you don’t leave friends behind on a night out and using taxi services together.
- Don’t be the lost sheep – it is important that you get a good picture of your university and the surrounding area and feel comfortable visiting. If you do get lost and feel intimidated, remain calm, confident and if necessary go into the local shop to get your bearings.
Student responsibility
To ensure your university experience is a fruitful one:
- Enough is enough - while your university experience should be fun, it is important to drink in moderation. Passing out from drinking does not look cool and also makes you more vulnerable to being a victim of crime so be wary that you don’t get too drunk.
- Respect others - as students you have an obligation to respect the local community. Excessive noise, banging, littering and other anti-social behaviour can cause real tension with local residents who have lived in the area for many years. Respect the area and local residents where you live.
- Beware of drink spiking - it is important that you do not accept drinks from strangers. Even if your favourite tune happens to be played don’t leave your drink unattended. Keep it with you and minimise the risk of your drink being spiked.
- If you do feel your drink has been spiked inform a friend or somebody you can trust straight away.
To contact a member of University and Eaton SNT call 0845 456 4657 or email [email protected].