Police officers standing guard in Preston

New students arriving to study in Preston have been issued with a warning by police.

Preston Police say they will be out and about during the course of Freshers Week issuing crime prevention advice to first-time students at the University of Central Lancashire.

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PCSO Stephen Connolly said: “It’s really important to us to have a good relationship with the University and particularly with the students themselves so they know where to come if they need advice or assistance from us.

“We know it’s a really exciting time, especially for those living away from home for the first time, so our neighbourhood teams are working closely with the University to help students keep themselves safe.”

A dedicated Twitter account is also being set up to keep students up to date with crime prevention and issues in and around the campus.

@UCLancampuscops will post alerts and policing news about the campus and student life.

Read more: 15 things you only know if you went to UCLan in the mid-2000s

The university also steps up security measures once its main student population settles in.

UCLan’s security manager Janet Maiden said: “Preston is a student-friendly city and we want our freshers to enjoy the start of their University lives as much as possible. Even so, we take safety and security very seriously which is why we operate an in-house, 24 hours-a-day security service and have forged close links with the Lancashire Constabulary.

“We have state-of-the-art CCTV across campus but we urge students to be vigilant and to take precautions that would be sensible in any city: plan your journey home, with friends where possible and use the late bus following overnight study in the library, or the Get Me Home Scheme with AAA taxis for next day payment.”

Where should students ring if they need help?

Students with any security concerns can contact UCLan’s Harrington Security Control, on 01772892068 or on SService1@uclan.ac.uk

What advice are police giving students?

Students enjoying a night out in Preston

– Always lock your room’s doors and windows, especially if on the ground floor

– Keep valuables away from windows

– Don’t let anyone into your digs unless you know who they are, even if they are claiming to be from an official organisations

– Mark your postcode on your property with an ultra violet marking pen, this makes it easier to return if stolen

– If you use a bike, lock and secure it each time you leave it

– If property such as credit cards, passports and personal address details are stolen, you can find yourself the victim of identity theft. Report them as missing to the relevant authority as soon as possible.

– Remember – safety in numbers – so stick together and never walk home alone.

– Keep enough money for a taxi. Don’t spend your last fiver on a burger – get home safe instead.

– Pace your drinks and consider alternating alcoholic drinks with a soft drink or water – you will last the night out and you’ll save a bit of cash too.

– The police work in partnership with the universities and there is an exchange of information, and on occasion this relates to misconduct of students. The vast majority of students don’t get in trouble with us but please be aware that students will be treated exactly the same as any other member of the public if they commit a criminal offence.

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You can see the full information from police for students on how to stay safe