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A stark warning to
students and landlords
STUDENTS and their landlords are being warned to tighten up
on security to avoid becoming victims of crime.
»»Students are one of the
highest at-risk groups of crime in
the country, often targeted for high
value laptops, TVs and entertainment
equipment, frequently left in plain view
and unsecured against intruders.
As letting out a house or flat to students
is a thriving business, the Master
Locksmiths Association (MLA) is urging
landlords to make home security a top
priority to ensure that tenants, property
and possessions are safe.
Students are also being warned to
take simple precautions to prevent
their possessions and equipment from
being stolen when they move into a new
property, or return to their old digs.
The Master Locksmiths Association is
encouraging youngsters and their parents
to question what locking systems are in
place, when they were last replaced and
how the copying of keys is controlled.
The organisation advises landlords to
consult an MLA-approved locksmith,
who will be able to carry out a security
assessment on property and recommend
suitable locks and fittings, as well as
providing input from a safety point of
view.
Dr Steffan George, development
director of the MLA, said: “Whether they
are going to university for the first time,
or returning to study for another year,
students will often find themselves in new
accommodation. It is important that they
are aware of security to keep themselves
and their possessions safe as students
are often regarded as an easy target by
thieves.
“By taking simple precautions,
landlords and students can avoid many of
the risks that can lead to crime and taint
the student experience.
“It is landlords’ duty to act in a
responsible manner and they should
install quality locks with patented keys,
which can’t be copied without proof of
ownership or restricted keys that can’t
be easily copied due to their unique
design.”
The MLA has issued the following
guidelines to students and landlords:
• Ensure good quality locks are
installed on both the main door and
the bedroom door. For convenience,
the locks can be configured so that
each individual bedroo