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► Safe & Secure
The local area consists of a number of different types of housing, yet the most common type in the Bournbrook neighbourhood are privately rented terrace houses - home to approximately 8,000 students!
Security is a big issue to think about when considering renting a property. Bear in mind the following statistics:
* Privately rented student housing is twice as likely to be
* burgled compared to that of owner occupied.
* Houses which have no security are nearly 10 times more likely to be burgled than those with simple measures in place (deadlocks & window locks)
* Terraced houses are a higher burglary risk than semi-detached or detached housing
* 16-24 yr olds are more likely to be victims of burglary
* 25% of offenders have committed a burglary whilst the tenants have been in.
* 66% of burglars break into the same house more than once
Specific to Bournbrook:
* 70% of offences involve a computer
* Approximately 80% of houses are broken into around the rear of the property
* 69% of rear burglaries are via a ground floor window
* Burglary in Bournbrook is three times the rate for the entire West Midlands area.
* October and November are the months most likely to be burgled.
The following things are worth remembering to make sure you don’t become a victim:
Close and lock doors and windows – 50% of burglaries are caused by windows and doors not being locked properly. Don’t make it easy for them! If you have a mortise or thumb turn lock on the front door – use it when you leave. If you have a lock on your room – lock it before you leave. Establish a protocol with room-mates about who checks that doors are locked.
Don’t leave anything (particularly valuables) on display – particularly anything that can be seen from outside. If your desk is situated in window hang some blinds and shut the curtains when out – even better: ask your landlord to re-site it.
If you have a side alleyway make sure that it is fitted with a secure locking gate which cannot be climbed over. Effective, working and properly used side entry gates can greatly reduce the risk of burglary to the rear of your house. If a gate is broken, or the lock doesn’t work, its missing or you don’t have keys, and ask your landlord to address it. Alternatively have a chat with Bournbrook Community Safety Project who can advise further.
Get some timer switches. Leaving a light on if everyone’s out greatly increases your chance of a burglar being deterred. Timers can be provided free of charge – contact your Community Wardens
Mark your valuable items. Getting them marked increases the chance of recovery in the event of theft. Register with www.immobilise.com – this will make it far easier to return stolen items if they are recovered. Alternatively contact your Community Wardens for more information about how to get extra security protection from technologies such as SelectaDNA (invisible property marking) and Lojack (stolen laptop tracking).
Remove “Please come round the back” signs and use the front door where possible - remember - approximately 80% of houses are broken into at the rear of a house. Don’t advertise to burglars if you are a student property. Always report damages to windows and external doors promptly to your landlord in the first instance, or the Bournbrook Community Safety Project
If you have an alarm on the house – get the code from your landlord and ask him/her to demonstrate it. Set it when you’re out or away for a period.
Community Wardens also work with West Midlands Police if a student should become a victim of burglary. In the first instance report the burglary to the police. Once your burglary has been recorded by the police they will offer you a visit from Community Wardens who will be happy to visit you and give you further advice. They will also review your house security and make recommendations if your security is not up to scratch. If you would like a visit from the Community Wardens to assess your property please contact us.
Check out Safer Students: www.west-midlands.police.uk/saferstudents for more on student safety.
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