Don’t make burglars a present of your property, says University

The University of Ulster is stepping up its campaign to help students living in south Belfast to protect themselves against burglars.

Plans are in place to issue text messages, e-mails, leaflets and posters outlining how students can protect their property from the thieves with a community video also in the works.

Working with Queen’s University, Stranmillis College, the Students Union, the PSNI and landlords, the University has created a House Safe Student Forum to address the problem of burglaries in South Belfast.

The Forum is a development of the Campaign House Safe which was put into action following soaring burglary rates in the area. Statistics issued in April 2003 showed an increase in domestic burglaries of 18% in just 12 months.

In the year following the launch of the campaign the burglary rate was cut by 12% - a decrease of 170 break-ins.

Thieves often target student homes because of the number of tenants in each property and because many students have valuable and easily transportable possessions such as lap-top computers, mobile phones and DVD players.

Ann Monaghan, Community Relations Manager at UU, said: “Crime prevention advice is free. Simply contact your local PSNI station and ask to speak to the Crime Prevention Officer. We at the University are also willing to advise and support students. Remember - don’t make a present of your property.”

(MB/GMCG)