Police warn students are vulnerable to crime

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Merseyside Police have issued a warning to students after it emerged that one in three of them becomes a victim of crime each year.

Officers are now working on a new initiative to encourage young people to take steps to avoid being targeted.

Young people aged between 16 and 24 are three times for likely to become a victim of crime than any other age group. One reasons for this is that students own expensive electronic equipment, with iPods’, laptops and mobile phones being some of the main targets for thieves.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said that students can take steps to avoid becoming a target: “Students are, statistically one of the most likely groups to fall victim of crime. They often live in built-up areas of the city with poor street lighting and a lack of good security, which makes them more vulnerable to muggings and burglary."

So, don’t be a statistic, follow a few simple common sense guidelines and they can make all the difference:

• Most burglaries happen when a door or window has been left open – lock up when ever you go out
• Don’t be an easy target – get a cab or stay in a group
• Always lock your car and put valuables out of sight
• Never leave a drink unattended
• Be vigilant with your phone, don’t have it on show
• Take out insurance
• And mark your property so that it can be easily identifiable and harder to sell

By taking these simple precautions, police say you can help to make sure you do not become a victim of crime.

Police are also urging people to come forward and report crimes by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or to speak to a dedicated officer about helping to prevent crime in your area call: 0151 777 5353.