Children going to University? How to help them keep their property secure!

It may the moment you've been waiting for for the last 18 years but seeing your children leaving home to go to University can also be a worrying time. Students and Halls of residence are prime targets for thieves looking for an easy steal and with some student housing containing up to 8 separate bedrooms it can be easy for an unknown individual to slip in and make off with laptops, tablets or anything else with a decent value.

It’s well known that students often own a large amount of expensive consumer goods which will always make them a target for thieves.

Here are some useful tips to pass onto them:

There are a number of ways you can easily ensure the security of a student property...

1.       One of the most common ways for thieves to access your home is through an open door or window and in summer it can be tempting to leave a window on the latch or door ajar to catch that cooling breeze but left unattended its easy pickings for any would be thief. Always close doors and windows whenever you are out of sight, it only takes a second for someone to make off with your goods!

2.       If your room is on the ground floor or has a big window it may get lovely light and have a brilliant view but it'll also give any opportunists an inventory of all the items they can nab. It's easy to pull the curtains and blinds or make sure any valuables are stored well out of sight.

3.       If you’re living in a shared house make sure you use the lock on your own door and keep your items in there when you're not at home. You might always remember to shut and lock the front door but your housemates may be a little more forgetful. If you have grills on the doors and windows use them! It only takes a second to lock them but it will be a huge deterrent to anyone trying to access your home.

4.       The average cost of a burglary is around £900 however contents insurance can be as little as £20 per year. You can even just insure your most valuable items and you can often extend the policy your parents have to cover your items as well.

5.       Most good student property will have an alarm so make use of it! If unsure ask your Landlord or a quick search online will generally yield the relevant information on how to operate it.

6.       Making friends with your neighbours and Landlord is always a good idea, not only will it make it easier when you have to apologise for last night’s party which ended at 11am it'll also mean that when you're away during the holidays there will be people around who will keep an eye on your home.

7.       Students are known for moving to different houses each year but during the transition from one house to another it's easy for thieves to help themselves to your goods as you load up the car or as your carrying everything you own up the 5 flights of stairs to your new digs. Always make sure someone is waiting with your gear as you unload to keep an eye out for any unwanted attention.