Renting Newcastle Student Housing? Make sure you’re protected against Burglaries

March 29, 2012 - PRLog -- Newcastle student housing can be an easy target for burglaries. In the last academic year Newcastle Police reported that there had been 215 student properties burgled in the Newcastle area.

One of the reasons that student houses become easy targets for crime is that they are left insecure. To combat this issue local student lettings agency Walton Robinson has compiled a list of top tips for students living in rented property to ensure they take steps to prevent being a victim of crime.

• Ensure you close and lock all doors and windows when the property is empty.

• If there is a security alarm, use it!

• If the property is going to be empty over the holidays take your valuables home and let your lettings agency know how long you will be away for.

• Don’t leave any valuables on display when you go out, that’s just easy pickings for thieves.

• Try not to make it too obvious that your property is student accommodation - avoid windows full of wine bottles, or displaying your impressive collection of traffic cones.

• Let your fellow housemates know that you are going out and whether they will need to lock up.

• It’s always a good idea to insure your possessions, as they will not be covered by the landlord’s property insurance.

• Keep in mind that robberies also occur during the day, and many thieves can just walk in and take your possessions without being noticed.

• If you own a bicycle, ensure you invest in a good bike lock. Many Landlords are also happy to provide bike racks.

• Don’t forget to secure the back of your student house - make sure the back yard gate is secured and wheelie bins are not easy platforms to help burglars climb over the wall.