To protect you and everyone else in your building, watch the video above (Viewing in China? Watch Staying safe in Leeds on Bilibili) and check out these simple safety tips.

• Be aware that there is an increased risk of thefts from residences and cars during moving-in weekend. Security patrols, have an increased presence during the first few days.

Your room

• If you're going to be away from your room, no matter what floor you live on, close your windows and lock your doors. Don’t prop open doors or windows.
• Hide any keys, money or other attractive items out of sight in your room.
• Close your curtains at night, or when you are away for any amount of time.
• Report any defects on windows, doors or locks immediately to the staff responsible for your residence.

Strangers in your residence

• Don't let anyone you don't know into your block, even if they look as if they might be a resident. Ask them to wait while you find the person they want to visit. If you see a stranger wandering around the site, find out if they should be there by asking politely whether or not you can help them. Report anyone you think is acting suspiciously to Security Services.
• Ask to see the ID cards of any staff or maintenance teams who request access to your accommodation to carry out work. If you are uncertain, then please contact staff at your residence, or University Security Services during out of hours.
• Don't let leaflet distributors into the site or blocks and don't hand out flyers yourself. Leafleting and fly posting is prohibited on University premises.
• Your guests aren't allowed on the site unless you are with them, so make arrangements to meet your visitors at a set time and place.

Keys and possessions

• Never label your keys or entry card with your address and never put keys in a bag that contains anything with your address on it. 
• Tell your residence office straight away if you lose your keys, key fob, or swipe card. Never give your key or card to anybody else. If they've lost theirs they should get a replacement.
• Security mark your possessions. Our Student Liaison Police Officer can help – speak to your residence office.
• Lock your bicycle with a solid D-lock.
• Don’t leave valuable items visible in your car.
• Lost property is kept at your residence office. Anything not claimed within a month is forwarded to University Security Services. If you find a key or entry card on site please hand it to the RLA on duty or to residence staff.
• Make sure your halls insurance is confirmed and insure your personal property too in case of loss or theft. Find out more here.

Reporting crime or suspicious activity

• Report anything suspicious immediately to the staff at your residence; or contact University Security Services. We provide Residences Watch and Security Dog patrols out of hours for University and partner residences, and mobile patrols can also attend during the day time. 
• Report any crimes or suspicious activity to West Yorkshire Police on 999 immediately. Also notify the University Security Services, so that they can work with the Police on arrival.

You can find details on how to contact the security team here. For advice on how to stay safe at night in Leeds, check out our night safety article.