Street Safety
The Stone Roses' Ian Brown once said that 'Manchester's got everything except a beach'. He wasn't wrong - this great city of ours has something for everyone. If this is your first time here you'd be forgiven for thinking it was all good. But like any big city, we're not immune to the seedier side of human nature and students can be easier targets than most. Don't panic though - with some common sense and a glance through these helpful safety tips from our Housing Officer, you'll be well on your way to exploring all Manchester has to offer!
The No-Brainers
- Look after your stuff, whether it's your prized record collection, your laptop, that great vintage jacket, anything. Keep it hidden, keep it locked - make sure it doesn't disappear from the scene faster than a Big Brother contestant!
- Burglars don't work to a schedule- if they see an open door or window they're likely to jump through it, whatever the time of day or night. Lock doors and windows, even if you're just in another part of the house and put the alarm on every time you go out.
- Halls are secure but they're not Fort Knox- lock your room, even when you go to make that midnight Pot Noodle.
- Don't walk around on your own at night- walk with a group,get a cab, or crash on your friend's couch- you can't put a price on your safety. Remember, it's not just your wallet at risk.
- Lock your car, hide anything valuable and never leave your keys in the ignition- even if you're just paying for petrol.
- Watch your drink to avoid spiking- sorry guys, this means you too, a hairy chest doesn't get you off the hook.
Don't be a No-Mark!
- Marking your stuff with the initials of your Uni (e.g. MMU or CCM) and student number or postcode makes it harder for thieves to sell it on and easier for the police to get it back to you. Would you want a laptop marked with someone else's details? We thought not. Use something sharp to engrave your details or buy a UV pen from our office. The ink is invisible to the naked eye but can be scanned by the police- clever eh?!
- If your phone's stolen call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it.
Street Savvy - Public Transport
Bus
- Aim for a route you know well and a bus that's well-lit and busy
- If you're on an unfamiliar route, try to get some mates to meet you at your destination
- Sit near the driver or where they can see you. Don't sit upstairs if you're on your own at night.
Train
- If you're waiting for a train, wait in a well-lit area, close to other people
- Sit in a busy compartment
- If you're worried, consider changing compartment or getting off the train altogether
- Get someone to meet you at your destination
Taxi
- Use a taxi company you know and trust
- If you book a mini-cab by phone, ask the driver to confirm your name and destination - you don't want to stumble into the wrong cab after a few tequilas and end up getting dropped off on the other side of town!
- Use black cabs as much as you can. It's illegal for minicabs to pick you up unless you book through their operator. Minicabs that try to do this are unlicensed and uninsured and you don't know what the driver's been up to in the past - avoid like the plague!!!
- Have your money and keys ready so that you can get into your house quickly at the end of the journey
- If you start to feel uncomfortable in a cab, get the driver to drop you off in a busy familiar place and get out of the car.
