As many of you begin your journeys home for Christmas, we’re reminding you of some key safety guidance to follow to ensure you keep yourself and your loved ones safe. We’re also sharing some tips to protect your belongings while you’re away from your term-time accommodation and sharing the latest on the Government’s announcement of a January return travel window.
Staying safe when travelling home
Please follow the advice below:
Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan MP has announced a return student travel window to take place between 4 January and 7 February. DMU will once again work with other higher education institutions in the region, Public Health England and local authorities to manage this process as effectively and safely as possible. The university will be working hard over the next few days to finalise these plans for your course area and will inform you at the earliest opportunity via the usual communications channels. Please check your DMU email inbox regularly for updates. A new tile and set of FAQs will also be added to the Your DMU Safety site on the return process.
If you have tested positive for Covid-19 (whether through lateral flow anti-gen or PCR testing) please report it to the university by completing our dmu.ac.uk/safetracenotify form. You will also need to remain in self-isolation for ten days in your term-time accommodation. After 10 days, as long as you are well, you will be able to travel home in time for the holidays.
Protect your belongings
If you are going away and leaving your accommodation over the holiday it is essential you take some extra safety precautions to protect your belongings:
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Make sure to close all windows and lock your door, including your bedroom door if you live in halls of residence. Take all of your expensive personal belongings home with you if you can.
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Don’t make it obvious on social media that you are away. This can be an open invitation to let burglars know you aren’t at home.
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Do not leave your personal belongings unattended. Keep valuables with you or secure them out of sight.
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Don’t leave packaging from expensive items on show outside your home as this advertises what could be inside. Recycle packaging if possible or put it safely in the bin.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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:
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Calling 999 in an emergency
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Reporting an incident online through the Leicestershire Police website
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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.
If you a student who lives in private accommodation, you must alert your private provider AND DMU security when reporting incidents.
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.
Posted on Thursday 3 December 2020