Kent Police offer advice to students to stay safe this Christmas

Kent police have urged students around the county to make sure their accommodation is secure this Christmas after a string of recent burglaries.

There has been a reported increase in burglaries affecting student homes during the Christmas period in previous years, and this year’s announcement comes as part of Kent Police’s ‘KentAgainstBurglary’ social media campaign.

Inspector Guy Thompson from Kent Police’s Canterbury Community Safety Unit stated:

“Christmas is an enjoyable time of year and we want it to stay that way. It is awful to come back after the holidays to find your accommodation has been broken into.

“A lot of thieves are opportunists so make it difficult for them to burgle your home.”

Recent burglaries reported include an iPod and passport being stolen from an unlocked room in shared accommodation on Parham Road in Canterbury between 6 and 11 November.

Another reported incident occurred on Headcorn Drive, also in Canterbury, where some personal documents and clothing were reportedly stolen from shared accommodation on 15 October 2019. A 19-year-old man was arrested a month later in connection with the burglary, and has been released under investigation pending ongoing enquiries.

Inspector Thompson advised students to make sure to close and look all doors and windows in their accommodation, not just their own room, before leaving. He also said:

“Consider using timers on your lights and a radio to make it look like someone is home to deter burglars.

“Make sure that any valuables you have are stored securely and out of sight.

“Store your coursework or dissertations online – don’t just keep the only copy on your laptop – if stolen it will risk disruption to your studies as well as cause upset.”

If you need additional information on the campaign, visit https://www.kent.police.uk/police-forces/kent-police/areas/kent-police/campaigns/campaigns/2019/kent-against-burglary/ or search the hashtag #KentAgainstBurglary on Twitter.