Shell UK sponsor personal attack alarms for Aberdeen students

[October 2008]

With the new term starting for students in Aberdeen, Grampian Police along with Crimestoppers have been working with Aberdeen University and Robert Gordon's University to advise students about ways to reduce their chance of becoming the victim of crime.

With over 20,000 students in Aberdeen only a small number of them are likely to become the victim of crime however, police believe that by taking some simple security measures, students can increase their chances of staying safe.

On Thursday 18 September, Constable Jim Watson from the Force's Crime Reduction Unit along with Michelle Herd from Crimestoppers attended RGU's' Freshers' Fayre at the Garthdee campus and on Wednesday 24 September they were at Aberdeen University's campus to inform students about the best way to keep themselves safe in the city. Long serving Associate Member of Crimestoppers, Shell U.K Limited, supported the student safety campaign by sponsoring the purchase of 2,000 personal attack alarms which were distributed to the students. Steve Harris, Communications Manager for Shell said “Shell U.K Limited are delighted to continue our relationship with Crimestoppers and Grampian Police and especially in the area of safety. Safety is our top priority and central to this we believe it is important that people return home safe at the end of each day, whether working or studying.”

Grampian Police also produced a ''Student Safety In Aberdeen'' booklet, which was sponsored by another of Crimestoppers Associate Members', The Wood Group. The booklets were distributed to 5,000 students in the Grampian area and included advice about personal safety, Crimestoppers information and useful contact numbers.

Constable Jim Watson commented, '' We are delighted we have been invited to attend the Freshers Fayres at both Universities. The majority of students will never become the victim of crime, however, our analysis of previous years has shown that a small number will. It is my hope that the information we will give to students about their own personal safety, as well as home, car and bicycle security will reduce the number who do become victims.