Advice to get you through Freshers’ Week

A message to Freshers from Humberside Police:

A huge welcome to everyone beginning their journey at the University of Hull this year.

We hope you are settling in and looking forward to what Hull has to offer, starting with Fresher’s week!

Fresher’s week should be such an exciting time – you’re living independently, you’re making new friends and ready to embark on a new chapter.   

However, it’s important to take measures to keep yourself, others, your home, and belongings safe from opportunistic criminals.

Whilst you get used to the campus and area, here are some crime prevention and safety tips from us.

How to stay safe on a night out:

We want you to have the best time on a night out. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind when attending the local nightlife.

• Be aware of your drink – avoid leaving drinks unattended or accepting drinks from strangers. Know your alcohol limit and help friends who may not know theirs.
• Avoid purchasing or accepting items offered in nightclubs or on the streets. It is extremely dangerous to consume any unknown tablets, powders or sweets.
• If you see anything suspicious or unpleasant, report it to members of staff at the venue, or if appropriate to us.
• Certain streets and localities within Humberside are designated no-drinking zones, these tend to be in central nightlife spots.
• It is an offence to be drunk and disorderly in a public place. You could be arrested if you are drunk and shouting/swearing/ threatening/causing damage/urinating in public.
• Venue staff, door supervisors and security can ask you to leave at any point.
• Police can request you leave the area if they feel you are presenting anti-social behaviour or a risk of being disorderly. Failure to comply could result in arrest.

How to get home safely:

Before you leave, know how you’re getting home. If Hull is a new city for you, you need to make sure you know where you are, where the venues are and how you will be getting home. You can utilise the #what3words app to find and share your exact location.

• Make sure your phone is charged, remember to exchange numbers with other people in your group and agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
• Avoid travelling home alone, make sure to leave as a group – especially when walking home.
• Check taxis and bus times before you go out to avoid waiting in large queues. Double check that taxis are licensed before accepting lifts.
• Street Angels are a volunteer group who do regular street patrols in Hull on the weekends, providing aid and advice.

How to keep your property safe:

Whether you’re in halls or a student house, the likelihood is you’re now responsible for keeping your property and belongings safe.

• Keep the property secure. All windows, rooms and outer doors should be closed and locked when the room/property is vacant. This includes ten-foot, alleyway, and garden gates. Curtains and blinds should be kept closed on ground floors.
• Keep your valuables out of reach when windows are open, even if you are in the room.
• Report any suspicious behaviour or crime to police and the University security team.
• Be aware of your surroundings. When out, keep your high-value items/cash out of sight.
• Insure your contents and if you can, register electrical items on Immobilise.
• Be wary of door-to-door canvassers, if workers/utility staff attend, make sure you check their ID.

Please remember, as your new local Force, we will be there when you need us.

To report crime, always call 999 in an emergency, or 101 in non-emergencies. You can also report crime by direct messaging us on our official @HumbersidePolice Facebook and @HumberBeat Twitter channels or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.