Students warned over crime threat

Students are being urged to take precautions against crime, as new Home Office research shows that up to one in three students have been the victims of crime.

Of the 315 students surveyed across seven universities, one-in-10 students were victims of crime during the past year and six in 10 crimes were experienced by repeat victims. However, as many as 60% of all incidents are not thought to have been reported to police.

The Home Office is writing to student leaders and Vice Chancellors asking them to give students more advice on how they can avoid being a victim.

Home Office Minister Bob Ainsworth said: "Students can take simple steps to protect themselves and their property. Crime prevention work is already being done in universities, but more needs to be done by students themselves and by those with an interest in their well being to ensure we tackle this problem.

"Crime is falling, but students should not be complacent. They should follow crime prevention advice to avoid their student days being marred by crime."

Simple steps such as checking doors, walking home in groups, never leaving belongings in cars and not leaving drinks unattended.

Education minister Margaret Hodge said the government must not let crime "put students off what are often the happiest days of their life".

"I am grateful to local police forces and Vice Chancellors for their close co-operation in reducing crime against students," he said.

"I also want to acknowledge the excellent work being done by many student unions to promote student safety. My department will continue to work with the Home Office and others in the fight against student crime."

(GMcG)