New year, new gadgets? Here's how you can keep them safe and secure

Welcome back to DMU! We hope you had a relaxing break and that you’re looking forward to the new year.

As you return to your accommodation and the campus after the holiday, we know that many of you may have been given new things at Christmas, such as mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets, which could be valuable and attractive to opportunist thieves.

DMU is a safe place to study but it always helps to be vigilant and take precautions to look after yourself and your belongings.

Here are some useful security tips:

• Make sure that any expensive items are covered by contents insurance. If you’re coming back to your accommodation by car, avoid leaving anything valuable on view as you unload.
• Be vigilant when using your mobile phone. If your phone is stolen, contact your network operator to stop anyone else being able to use it.
• Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. Keep valuables with you or secure them out of sight.
• If you have to take a break in a study area, ask a friend to watch over your things.
• Back up important work from your computer onto a memory stick, your DMU student drive or cloud storage. In case the worst happens and your device is stolen, you’ll still have your files saved.
• Mark your property with the initials of the university (DMU) and your student ID number – this makes it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods and can help the police to return items to you.
• Keep lists of the make, model and serial numbers of your electronic items to help police track them down if they are stolen. Better still, register them for free at www.immobilise.com.

For more tips, including guidance on staying safe when out and about, click here.

DMU has its own campus police officer as well as a dedicated team of security staff who aim to ensure that all students and staff are able to study and work in a safe environment all year round. However, if something does happen to you, please report it and seek support from the university and our Campus Police Officer. You can do this by:

1. Calling 999 in an emergency
2. Reporting an incident online through the Leicestershire Police website
3. Visiting our Security team at the Estates Services Building (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)​​​ or calling them on 0116 257 7642.

Useful links and contacts:

DMU Security – telephone 0116 257 7642 (store this number in your phone contacts).

Be Smart Be Safe – a joint initiative between DMU and the campus police officer.

DMU campus police team – follow them on social media via Facebook and Twitter or email dmu@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk.

DSU Advice – a free, confidential and independent service provided by your Students’ Union.

Wellbeing advice from DSU – equipping you for the emotional and financial challenges of student life.

Leicester Nightline – an anonymous telephone service for students which provides listening, support and information.

Crimestoppers – you can report information 100% anonymously online or via the contact number 0800 555 111.

Action Fraud – For cases of fraud, online or otherwise, please report this to Action Fraud online or via the contact number 0300 123 2040.