Guidance and advice

The Police

In the United Kingdom the role of the police officer is to enforce the rules and regulations to make the country a safer place to live. Police officers are also available to help and assist if you have a problem.  

The law

The legal system is primarily in place to keep us safe from personal injury, stop our belongings from being taken and our property from being damaged.  If somebody is put at harm or risk of harm through your actions then you might have broken the law and could be questioned by the police.  Remember if it doesn’t belong to you then leave it alone or contact Estate Patrol or the police to report it as lost property. It is also an offence to buy or sell any item which does not belong to the person selling it.  Intentionally damaging a room, building or somebody’s property can also lead to you being questioned or charged by the police.

Legal consequences

If you are questioned by the police for breaking a law you could then be charged with an offence and, depending on the severity of the case, have to attend court. If you are here on a visa this could have serious consequences on your studies.  At the University of Exeter the majority of students have a good repor with the local police officer and rarely get into any trouble.

Fraudulent reports

It is also against the law to make false reports of crimes that did not happen, whether this is to get somebody in trouble or gain financial reward.

Reporting crime

If a crime is or has been committed then please contact the Estate Patrol and or the police as we are all here to help you.