Police have set up safe zones across Glasgow for students who fear they are being targeted by opportunistic thieves.
Businesses including supermarkets, banks, stations, hotels and coffee shops have signed up to the Student HelpZone scheme, which was launched yesterday, to provide reassurance and refuge to students who feel unsafe.
With more than 60,000 studying in Glasgow this year, those carrying valuable items such as laptops, tablets and mobile phones are prime targets.
“Being in a new city can seem extremely daunting,” said Chief Inspector Hilary Sloan. “The help zones are not a replacement for the emergency services, they are locations to assist students by providing shelter and facilities, for example calling a taxi, calling a friend, contacting the police or just waiting until the problem passes.”
The 49 safe havens, launched with the universities and Community Safety Glasgow, display a “Student HelpZone” sticker or poster outside to indicate they are part of the scheme.
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They are on routes commonly travelled by students to and from their homes, universities and the city centre.
Gary Paterson, president of Strathclyde students’ union, said: Providing helpful spaces where students can approach trusted bodies for support will go a long way to keeping Glasgow safe and student-friendly.”