PCSOs Jodie Bryan and Gary Painter with Samantha Kennedy (left) of Kent Union's society and citizenship committee and union president, Helen Wood.

by Gerry Warren

Students who leave their doors and windows open are inviting thieves to take advantage of the opportunity, say police.

But now they have come up with a novel crime-fighting initiative to remind them to keep them locked.

Because volunteers from the University of Kent’s student union will be looking out for lapses in security in accommodation on the campus and posting a calling card in the shape of an inflated balloon bearing the word 'lock’ in large letters.

The inscription will also direct students to a website where they can pick up more security tips.

PCSO Jodie Bryan, who works at the university as part of her Rural West ward, and Gary Painter, who is the PCSO in St Stephen’s ward, got the scheme off the ground.

Jodie said: “We have been working with the students’ union to try and come up with different ways of encouraging them to shut windows and lock their doors and communal doors. We wanted to catch their attention and thought a leaflet would probably just end up in the bin.”

The balloons have been paid for by the Safer Canterbury District Partnership and will be targeted at first year students living away from home for the first time. It is hoped they will then develop good habits before going out to live in private rented accommodation in the Canterbury area.

Union president Helen Wood explained: “This is a safe campus but as summer approaches we want to get the message across about doing that extra bit and not making it easy for burglars.

“I am sure that a balloon will make them look and see where it has come from and, we hope, log on the website to get more information.”