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Crime Prevention – Campus Watch

On this month’s Crimecall, Sergeant Deirdre O’Neill was in studio to discuss Campus Watch 2022. 

Campus Watch 2022

This year is the first time in three years that the majority of students will get to see the colleges at full capacity making it a new experience not just for the first years but also some second and third year students too. 

The Campus Watch programme is a crime prevention and community safety programme similar to a residential Neighbourhood Watch scheme. There are over 55 schemes in place across the country. It operates as a partnership between An Garda Síochána and the Campus occupants. Campus Watch works on the basis that every member of campus can help to improve the quality of life of all on site by looking out for other students, staff and visitors, and reporting suspicious activities to the Gardaí. Campuses are busy locations and everyone has their part to play.

During the academic year we run information campaigns designed to keep students safe and secure. Each programme is evidence based and focuses on topics that may be more relevant for a particular time of year, i.e. personal safety at the start of the academic year.

Traditionally, four crime prevention programmes are rolled out across the academic year to campus users. The blue bike initiative which is a bicycle safety initiative is rolled out during Semester 2 when bicycles are more in use.

This year will be challenging as we have a large number of students who are effectively attending campus for the first time. We would ask students and parents alike to check out the Campus Watch Page on the Garda website which will provide plenty of information to help make your year a safe and secure one.

Good advice and information can be found in the Campus Watch Brochure which is available in multiple languages on the Campus Watch page at www.garda.ie

Personal Safety

As a new student, get to know the geography of your campus as soon as you can. Find out about public transport timetables, where you can park vehicles or bikes securely, campus security buildings, and the local Garda Station.

College life should be about experiencing new things but remember when you are going out to PLAN and be Streetwise:

  • Plan night out, how you are getting there and back,
  • Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back,
  • Avoid walking alone in dark areas,
  • Never attempt to reason with drunk or aggressive people and be
  • Streetwise, get to know the locality and the surroundings, and mind your valuables.

It’s a good idea to upload emergency contacts onto your phone and activate find my phone on your device. Keep a record of your IMEI number (Dial *#06# to get it). This will help us return your device to you if it’s located or handed in. 

Accommodation Security / Personal Items

The very nature of a campus, where unfamiliar faces are common and accepted, lends itself to the work of the criminal who can blend in quite easily around halls of residence. For example, it is not unusual to see people carrying backpacks and other items without suspicion.

For students on tight budgets, expensive items are difficult to replace, and it is highly advisable to spend a short time considering how effective measures can be taken to reduce the possibility of theft. The good news is that there are a number of actions you can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim of crime.

Follow these tips to help secure your residence:

  • Ensure that all windows and doors are locked at all times.
  • Never give your keys to anyone else. Do not leave your keys where others could have access to them.
  • Always lock outside doors. – The main entrance is the fi­rst line of defence to your property.
  • Close your curtains after dark. Act on suspicions you have, don’t dwell on them.
  • Let the professionals share your suspicions. – Never reveal you are alone and contact Gardaí.
  • Inform a trusted neighbour or friend if you are going away.
  • Ensure that you do not have obvious signs of vacant accommodation – Curtains drawn during daylight hours, etc. – Remember to lock up and light up.
  • Before you admit any callers to your accommodation, ensure you are satisfi­ed with their identity. Don’t be afraid to check the ID of unfamiliar people.
  • You do not have to challenge people aggressively. You can approach someone and ask if they are lost or need help if you are unsure. Perhaps enlist the help of a fellow student before making any approach.
  • Don’t let strangers in, or hold doors open for strangers who are arriving as you are leaving. Use the door chain on your room door. Remember – Other people live in the building too!
  • If you think someone is behaving suspiciously, or trying to gain unauthorised access to accommodation, contact the Gardaí / Campus Security Personnel. Likewise, if you receive any strange, threatening, or abusive phone calls to your accommodation, report them to the Gardaí / Campus Security Personnel. 

Safe driving for commuting students  

This year we are seeing more commuting students so there is a strong reminder to ensure your vehicle is road worthy and carry out regular checks especially on tyres and brakes. 

When parking at college, lock your vehicle and park it in a well-lit area and do not leave valuables on display.  If you must leave items in your vehicle, lock them in the boot out of sight, ideally before you reach your destination.

On those journeys to college make sure that you are taking sufficient breaks, tiredness could be a contributing factor in up to 20% of fatal road traffic accidents. Therefore, if driving long distances stop and rest when you are feeling tired. Factor it into your trip time.

If you have been socialising you need to be satisfied that you are fit to drive the next morning.  If in doubt, do not risk it. 

Consent

During your college life you will be experiencing new friendships and relationships. Respect each other’s boundaries and diversity.

If you’re engaging in sexual activities, remember to always ask for consent and to communicate.

See https://usi.ie/consent/

Accommodation Frauds

Gardaí are advising people to be wary of rental scams, particularly at this time of year when students are returning to college.

There were a total of 882 cases of rental scams reported to An Garda Síochána between 1 February 2019 and 31 July 2022. There were 172 cases of Accommodation Fraud reported between February and July 2022. This is an increase of 27% compared to the same period in 2019.

Almost half (46%) of these incidents occurred in the Dublin Region.

Just over €1.6 million was stolen in rental scams over this period. Median amount stolen €1,400.

Almost half (42%) of all injured parties were under the age of 25.

72% of all injured parties were under the age of 35.

The most financial losses are experienced between August and October. 

Red Flags

  • When the landlord is unable to meet up to show you the property in person. Covid-19 restrictions no longer acceptable excuse.
  • When communication is only through Text / WhatsApp or other social media platform.
  • When the property is offered with no questions asked and payment demanded immediately before signing the lease.
  • When you are asked to pay cash, cryptocurrency or money via a non-bank transfer. (such as wire transfer) 

Check List

  • Never agree to rent a property without first having the opportunity to view it.
  • Do not hand over cash. Insist upon a proper receipt.
  • Ensure that the keys work and you have proper contact details for the landlord/agent.
  • Report any accommodation fraud to your local Garda Station.