Subject - HOLLYOAKS STAR WARNS STUDENTS TO BE ON THEIR GUARD
Posted : (Tuesday 7th April 2009 ) By - Jane
(Registered User)HOLLYOAKS STAR WARNS STUDENTS TO BE ON THEIR GUARD
Police in south Manchester have teamed up with Hollyoaks star, Stephen Beard, to warn students to be on their guard after more than one a day fell victim to burglary and robbery during the first month of the second term last year*.
Unfortunately burglary and robbery peaks around this time of year as students return with new laptops, MP3 players and Wii consoles. Stephen Beard, who plays student Archie Carpenter in Hollyoaks, is backing the campaign, which encourages students to become more security savvy and reduce the risk of having their new Christmas presents stolen.
Students are easy targets for opportunist criminals as they tend to live in low security housing and own lots of expensive items. However by following a few basic steps to secure property and ensure that personal belongings are out of sight while out and about students can avoid falling victim to crime.
Chief Inspector Derek Hewitt said: “Falling victim to crime is an unpleasant experience but one that can be easily avoided by following a few simple steps to make sure that you keep yourself and your property secure.
“Make sure that your windows and doors are locked – even when you are in, and if you have an alarm remember to set it. If you’re going out for the night leave lights on to give the impression that there’s someone in. Make sure you stick to well lit streets and ensure that all personal property such as mobile phones and MP3 players are kept out of sight.
“I also urge students to register their valuables on
www.immobilise.com. It’s a quick, easy and free way of logging the details of your property on a national database that police can access and compare against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.”
Stephen Beard, who plays Archie Carpenter in Hollyoaks, said: "The start of term is all about catching up with mates and having a good time, security is probably the last thing on your mind. But it’s really important to follow the advice from the police and keep yourself and your home secure.
“Nobody wants the hassle and upset of having their laptop or mobile phone nicked…not when there’s fun to be had in the Student Union!!”
Manchester City Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Jim Battle said: "Manchester is a great city in which to study and enjoy the fantastic social life but we want to make sure that criminals do not prey on our student population. By following the simple advice offered by the police you can drastically reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime."
Police will be working with partner agencies including Manchester City Council and the Universities to ensure that students stay safe. For safety tips, visit
www.mcrstudentssafer.com or
www.gmp.police.uk.
To report a crime call police on 0161 872 5050. You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
-ends-
For further information, please contact: Danielle Newman, GMP Divisional Communications Officer for south Manchester on 0161 856 6003 / 07825 116 729 or
danielle.newman@gmp.police.uk