Police are urging new and returning students to stay safe in the towns and cities of Greater Manchester as the new term begins.
As the region sees the arrival of more than 80,000 students, Greater Manchester Police officers have been increasing patrols in key areas and are preparing safety talks to make freshers safety-savvy.
Inspector Andy Smith, coordinating the student safe operation said: “Starting university is an exciting time for new students, and their arrival each year is what makes Greater Manchester such a vibrant and dynamic city to live in. Unfortunately, students are also susceptible to becoming victims of crime because each term they bring valuables worth thousands of pounds. We urge them to both look after one another and consider their own safety.
“Many new students are moving to an unfamiliar location and are sometimes from smaller towns and cities so they aren’t aware of how easy it is to be targeted by thieves. Simple steps such as being discrete when using mobile phones in public, locking windows and doors at the front and back of properties as well as keeping valuables out of sight in the home are simple steps that can prevent them from becoming a victim of crime.
“We want this campaign to give students the best start to their university life, by giving some simple tips that mean they can concentrate on getting settled and having fun.”
As part of the latest initiative to promote safety on and off campus, officers will encourage students to take a snap with the ‘student safe board’ in a bid to get them to think about safety while having fun.
Last year, the city saw a two per cent reduction of theft from person and a 12 per cent reduction in the number of bike thefts. This is thanks to the work of officers on south Manchester division who clamped down on known offenders as part of Project Ark and the student safe operation.
Inspector Smith added: “The results of our operations send a clear message to any offender wanting to target students that we will be relentless in our pursuit to bring them to justice and will work hard to reduce any opportunities for them. There will be enhanced patrols and other tactics deployed throughout term time and beyond.”
For more information on student safety visit www.gmp.police.uk/students or ‘like’ GMP’s specialist Facebook page. The page includes updates on crime in your area and features useful information and advice on how to stay safe.
Students can also download the GMP mobile app for details on their nearest student safe zone. These are areas where you can to when you are feeling unsafe.
