Crime Prevention

Burglars on the lookout for laptops, stereos, iPods etc often target student properties as they can often provide rich pickings.

Reduce the chance of you becoming a victim of crime:

Contact the Bournbrook Community Safety Project (33 Dartmouth Road, Selly Oak) to request a free security check on your property
Tel: 0121 472 6671 email: admin@birmcomsafe.fsnet.co.uk  

Ask your landlord to ensure the property is secure by fitting window locks, extra door locks, etc.

Make sure that if there are security gates (preventing people entering the alley at the side of your property) that you and your housemates all have a key to use it.

Ask your landlord to ensure that there is no overgrowth in the front or back gardens. This can cover the front door and windows and make an easy hiding place for someone waiting to break in. A good landlord should maintain the appearance of the property; however if s/he asks you to do it make sure they supply you with the appropriate tools to do the job.

Don’t advertise the fact that it is a student house. Keep the front of your property free from rubbish. If there is a ‘to let’ board on your house make sure that the letting agent does not leave it up for too long. It should be taken down 2 weeks after a ‘let by’ notice is put on the board.

The University and the Guild of Students work with the police to ensure the safety of students. For more advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of crime visit www.crimereduction.gov.uk and www.good2bsecure.co.uk