There’s a lot to think about when your child goes off to university and it can certainly be an emotional and overwhelming time. With a recent report showing that 1 in 4 students are a victim of theft during their time at university - it’s more important than ever to pay attention to safety and security.
Here, Dr Steffan George, Managing Director of the Master Locksmiths Association – the leading trade association for the locksmithing profession – gives advice on what you can do to ensure your child and their belongings are as safe and secure as possible in their student accommodation.
“It’s well known that most students have high value items such as laptops, tablets and gaming equipment and perhaps aren’t always the most concerned about security measures. This, in addition to the fact that most student houses are occupied by at least four people, means students are one of the most at-risk groups in the country when it comes to crime. But by being security aware and making a few small changes, students and parents can do a lot to reduce the risks. If in doubt, ask the landlord to arrange for a professional locksmith to visit the property. The MLA is recognised by the Police as the authoritative body for locksmithing and all of our members undergo strict vetting and inspections, so you can be confident they work to a high standard and offer value for money. Many MLA locksmiths will also be able to perform a complete security assessment free of charge.”
Being security aware and taking a number of simple proactive measures, can also help to minimise the risk of burglary and break-ins:
- Ensure the building has appropriate security
Although it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure their tenants, property and possessions are safe and secure, don’t be afraid to question the security features in place. Ensure alarm codes work and carbon monoxide / fire alarms have appropriate battery life and double check any locks and alarms are working and in good condition. Insurers look favourably on those who have high quality locks and security, so it’s worth looking into having a lock fitted on your child’s bedroom door.
- Find out who has access
Ask the landlord for a list of authorised key holders, including estate agents and property maintenance companies, and check when the locks were last changed. If locks are damaged or worn, landlords may install new ones which should be of a good quality with patented keys that can’t be copied without proof of ownership.
- Think like a burglar
In addition to basic security checks when your son or daughter is moving in, carry out a rigorous check both inside and out. Starting outside, remove large objects or debris that could potentially be used to smash a window to gain entry. Assess whether locks are rusty and check the condition of window panes. Damaged locks can attract burglars and invalidate insurance, so make a detailed list of everything that needs to be repaired or replaced and inform the landlord straightaway.
- Consider insurance requirements.
Some home insurance policies will cover your child’s student accommodation by adding students onto their parents' contents policy, but it is not automatic, and it might be restricted. Be sure to check insurance policies thoroughly.
- Mark belongings.
Mark your child’s belongings for easy identification and return. Immobilise and BikeRegister are free property registers that allow anyone to list their valuables such as electronic devices, mobile phones and bikes on a secure website. If the police recover the item they can check this database against the visible serial number on the property and establish the rightful owner.
- Make sure your child is aware of tailgating
Tailgating can be a serious issue; where somebody follows a person through a door just before it closes. Advise your son or daughter not to be afraid to challenge anyone they don’t know who is entering the building, particularly if they live in a larger halls of residence or student house. A high proportion of theft in student areas is due to walk-ins, with burglars simply ‘tailgating’ by entering a halls of residence or student housing immediately after residents – if your child feels they are being followed, they should instead go to a public place or friend’s house and contact the police to report the incident.
