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By following a few simple steps you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of burglary:

• Always lock doors and windows when you leave the house for any length of timeÌý-Ìýeven if you are only going intoÌýthe gardenÌý
• Make sure that all external doors (and internal doors in shared accommodation) and windows are locked at nightÌý
• Don’t leave valuables, such as mobile phones, handbags, wallets and jewellery, in view of ground-floor windows or external doorsÌý
• Remove keys from windows and doors and keep them out of sightÌý
• If you have a burglar alarm or security light, ensure these are working and switched onÌý
• Mark valuable items with your postcode using an ultra-violet pen and register the items’ serial numbers for free at . This will increase the chances of property being returned to you if it is lost or stolen and recovered by Dorset Police.Ìý
• Join a Home Watch or Neighbourhood Watch group in your area to receive regular crime updates and crime prevention advice.Ìý
• Take out contents insurance for your property to cover your belongings.

When you are out and about, particularly after dark, please follow this personal safety advice to avoid becoming a victim of crime:

• Plan ahead. Make sure you know where you are going and how to get there. If you are catching a bus or train, find out the times to avoid waiting for long periods at bus stops or stations. If you are planning to take a taxi or minicab home, then either book it before going out, or take the number of a licensed cab company with you.Ìý
• When walking, stick to busy, well-lit streets whenever possible. Avoid danger spots like quiet or badly-lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parksÌý
• If you do have to pass danger spots, think about what you would do if you felt threatened. The best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a petrol station or pub.Ìý
• Avoid passing stationary cars with their engines running and people sitting in them and whenever practical walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid curb crawlersÌý
• Stay alert and keep your mind on your surroundings - remember if you're wearing headphones or chatting on a mobile phone, you will not hear trouble approachingÌý
• If you think you're being followed, trust your instincts and take action. As confidently as you can, cross the road turning and look to see who is behindÌýyou. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area, tell people what is happening and call 999.Ìý
• Try not to keep all your valuables in one place. Instead, place valuables such as wallets in an inside pocket or use a money belt.Ìý
• Try to keep both hands free and don’t walk with your hands in your pocketsÌý
• Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker giving you vital seconds to get away. Personal alarms are available to purchase from the SUÉ«»¨Ìà shop on Talbot Campus.