Keeping Safe
There is no escaping the fact that the crime rate in Glasgow is something of a problem. Even considering that crime rates in Scotland are typically higher than those of other UK countries, the crime rate in Glasgow is extremely high. Worryingly for students, a large number of crimes relate to violence and theft.
Reported crimes regarding violence, per 10,000 population - 64
Scotland average – 25
Reported crimes regarding sexual offences, per 10,000 population – 21
Scotland average – 12
Reported crimes regarding dishonesty (house breaking, theft, motor theft), per 10,000 population – 510
Scotland average – 331
Reported crimes regarding miscellaneous offences (drunkenness, petty assault), per 10,000 population – 809
Scotland average – 436
These figures* show how much of a problem crime is in the city; students should always be careful with regards to their personal safety and the security of their possessions when living in Glasgow. As with all big cities, there are good areas and bad areas: whilst it is ridiculous for students to imagine that they are continuously at risk in the city, common sense can help students reduce the risk of crime, with measures such as walking home in a group and keeping doors and windows locked when leaving property unattended.
Traditionally the West End and Merchant areas of the city, where the majority of student accommodation and university buildings are situated, have relatively low crime rates. However, areas with the highest crime rates in the city including Springburn, Royston Shettleston and Tollcross, are situated in and around the city centre, and students are advised to be at their most vigilant when passing through these areas, especially at night.
A majority of violent crimes that occur in Glasgow, or any UK city in fact, can be directly linked to alcohol consumption. It is always important for students to drink responsibly on nights out in the city. Not only does this reduce the chance of your involvement in arguments or confrontations, but being aware of your surroundings, especially if walking home at night, is vitally important. Additionally, many victims of muggings and assaults are drunken students. One way of reducing the risk of mugging is to keep expensive equipment hidden, including mobile phones and personal stereos, when out and about.
At the end of the night, students are advised to walk home in groups or use one of the city’s registered taxi services. Walking alone after dark is inadvisable, especially if the area is poorly lit and/or unfamiliar. If walking in a group or taking a taxi is not an option, try and make sure that someone knows when to expect you home.
The university's halls of residence are all secure, and patrolled 24 hours a day by wardens; students in university accommodation need not worry too much about the security of their rooms if they remember to lock their windows and doors. However, students living in private properties are more prone to break-ins and burglaries. One reason for this is that student houses are often less secure than normal family homes: alarm systems may not be as effective, nor window and door locks as reliable.
Another reason is that many students have no experience of home security and may be absent minded when leaving their house or flat unattended. Leaving doors unlocked or windows open massively increases the chance of burglary, and it is unlikely that an insurance company will pay out on a claim if there is no evidence of an actual break-in. It may sound obvious but it is extremely important that all locks are fastened and alarms set when leaving your property unattended. Any expensive-looking equipment including laptops and TVs should also be hidden from view of ground floor windows.
Similarly, most car theft occurs because CD players or navigation systems are left on display. At the very least, these items should be locked in the glove box when the car is not in use, but ideally they should be taken out of the car altogether. Consider whether it makes sense to take your car to university at all. Glasgow has a reliable public transport system, and aside from the extra petrol and insurance costs, most university and private student residences do not have secure spaces, meaning that cars may have to be parked out of sight.
* Crime figures taken from www.upmystreet.com, taken in turn from the Scottish Executive.
