note for all students

detailed Student Crime Prevention Package
21-Sep-07
Prize draws, 999TV, and a Best Bar None initiative are among the strategies to keep students safe in West Yorkshire...


Police in West Yorkshire are gearing up to make sure thousands of new students to the county get a crime-free welcome.

They will be joining staff from universities and colleges around West Yorkshire to launch a major crime crackdown and awareness campaign aimed at the thousands of fresher students coming to study in the county.

Special joint operations will be launched in the areas around the universities, colleges and student accommodation as well as in areas frequented by students.

Students will be able to log in to the latest crime prevention tips on the Force’s website www.westyorkshire.police.uk where there is also access to 999TV featuring a short film on crime prevention advice.

There is also the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win £200 shopping vouchers, plus a special category for students to send in their best 20 second video clip via a mobile of a safety tip for use on the website.

The student site contains advice on property marking, how to look after your mobile phone and other electronic equipment and simple tips on personal safety. It also gives a guide to who to contact if you need more help or advice on crime prevention.

Students can also take advantage of West Yorkshire Police’s Best Bar None initiative, an award scheme which accredits safety and security procedures in bars, pubs and clubs.

The Force's Crime Reduction Officer, Detective Inspector Duncan Macnay, said: "For many students this will be there first period away from home and while we want them to have a great time and enjoy their studies, we want to ensure that they stay safe.”

During Freshers’ week, students will be able to attend scores of events, organised to ensure they stay safe and secure in the county’s towns and cities.

In Kirklees police will be at the freshers’ week activities and student safety meetings to promote crime prevention. They will also aim to set up Neighbourhood Watch schemes in Halls of Residence to pass on crime information to students.

In Leeds there will be high profile patrols by police and university security staff across the city around the universities and colleges as well as near student accommodation and pubs and clubs.

There will also be patrols by mounted officers on the A660 Otley Road where police aim to create a safe corridor for students travelling between their accommodation, their universities and the many events held in the area for fresher students in the first week.

Police in Leeds will also launch the ‘Knowledge’ campaign offering advice on how students can keep themselves and their property safe and avoid becoming a victim of crime.

Bradford Police will continue with their ‘Think Smart, Be Safe’ project which involves a series of safety and security presentations for all new students. Each new student will receive a drawstring sports bag with a Think Smart Be Safe wall planner incorporating seasonal safety messages and information, a pen, ruler and other useful information. There will also be a stand at the freshers’ fair staffed by the newly-appointed NPT officer for the area with local PCSOs who work in the area.