Crime prevention advice

Staying safe is all about following a few common-sense guidelines.

Cycle thefts

Scarborough has been experiencing an increase in cycle thefts over recent months. The common trend is that bikes are left insecure whilst owners visit shops, or bikes are taken from insecure sheds and out buildings.

Some of the bikes stolen are expensive to replace and not covered by insurance companies. Often bikes are hard to identify as they are mass produced and owners have difficulty in recalling distinctive features of their bikes when reporting it to the police.

Police in Scarborough are urging bike owners to secure their bikes with a substantial lock at all times.

The UK National Property Register can also help. It is an independent company that specialise in the registration of property, and provide step-by-step guidelines that explain the process of how to get your bike subject to the Electronic Bike Marking and Tracing System. 

Anyone with any information regarding persons responsible for bike thefts or any other crime is urged to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or make contact with the Scarborough Safer Neighbourhood Team.     

Student safety

Try to minimise the student look of your property. Stacked up pizza boxes and empty bottles outside your back door are a big giveaway!

Keep your doors and windows locked when you go out – including your bedroom door in halls of residence, even if you are just going down the corridor.

Mark your property with your University and Student number- protect yourself with insurance and keep a list of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen.

Don't leave cash and valuables on display in your room.

Leave a light or radio on when you go out, to give the impression some-one is in.

Make sure your mobile is with you all the time, but don't have it on display

Personal safety

Avoid walking alone after dark

Keep to busy, well lit roads and try to look confident even if you don't feel it

You can get a personal attack alarm and carry it in your hand

Carry your bag close to you with the fastening next to your body

Keep your house keys in your pocket for easy access

When you go out, tell people what time you expect to arrive home

When out at night, get a taxi or someone you trust to take you home – your safety is worth more that the cab fare home!

Always sit in the back of the taxi

To prevent spiking, don't leave your drinks unattended

Mobile phone safety

Only make essential calls in the street

Many phones are stolen in places like pubs and nightclubs when they are left on a seat

Open handbags also prove tempting for thieves, as do carried rucksacks, so make sure you have your bags secure and with you at all times

If your phone is stolen, call your network or 08701 123 123 to immobilise it

Mobile phones can be identified through two numbers
1 – the phone number unique to the sim card
2 – the emei (international mobile equipment identity) number which is unique to the phone. You can find this out by putting *#06# . Then record the imei number. For further information go on mobile phone crime website www.immobilise.com.

Car safety

Always lock you vehicle, never leave a car door or window or sunroof open even for a moment or two

Park in well-lit, open locations

Don't leave valuables in your car and never leave items on display

Don't leave credit cards or cheque books in the glove compartment

Never leave your vehicle documents in the car – they could help a thief to sell it

Security mark your stereo and if its removable, always take it with you. Make a note in a safe place.

Drink spiking

Never accept a drink from someone you don't know

Use a specially adapted cover for your glass or bottle

Never leave your drink unattended

Plan your night out if you can

Appoint a drink watcher if you go to the toilet or off for a dance

Remember alcohol affects your reactions, you'll be less alert

Don't think that soft drinks aren't spiked – they are!

If you think your drink has been tampered with, don't take a chance

Remember, males also fall victim to th is type of offence.

Cannabis use

Despite what some people say, cannabis is still an illegal drug

If you are caught in possession of it, or are dealing it with your mates – you could be arrested.