A question of common sense
We need to take basic precautions and remember this is an open campus.
The spate of thefts occurring in university accommodation has led to indignation in Derwent, with some even taking the ultimate action. That’s right, creating a Facebook group. The Derwent Defence Force is a crack troop of Derwenters intent (despite disclaimers against aggressive action) on wreaking revenge against their hated chav oppressors.
Pompous and inappropriate student posturing aside, the sad fact is that university halls of residence are extremely lucrative for criminals and this is why in our first year we are constantly reminded by the university to be vigilant. As a second year sitting in the seclusion and relative safety of a house it is easy for me to preach about the importance of locking doors and not letting in strangers. However, this means conveniently forgetting the number of times last year I left my own door unlocked and let strangers into my block. The fact remains that on an open campus not taking basic precautions is a very silly idea.
However, when burglaries are happening literally behind students’ backs, some questions do need to be asked about campus security. The operation conducted by the security team on February 7, when two men were arrested attempting to break into student rooms in Langwith, is an example of crime prevention on campus which needs to be seen more often. For a start, porters need to be a bit more rigorous in their issuing of spare keys and key cards. I remember how it was possible last year to get a spare key simply with a pleading look.
The point is though, even if campus security is tightened up to some extent, only so much can be improved on. Despite complaints about closed bridges and crumbling accommodation blocks, York has one extremely attractive feature; its compact layout, which produces a safe atmosphere. It is easy to forget that anyone can enter. Sometimes, you have to wonder how people expect security to be improved without resorting to somewhat authoritarian tactics. Ultimately the best way to prevent campus crime is to make an effort to stop giving criminals easy targets.
