Student digs are a favourite target of opportunistic thieves

Afirst year university student leaves the door to his room shut – but not locked. While he is asleep someone steals the Playstation and two controllers he’s left just inside the door.

Now you may think that it’s hardly the crime of the century, but it’s a story that is becoming all too common.

I’ve been digging into the burglaries reported in the Canterbury district and a disproportionate number of these took place in student accommodation.

Because the fact is, our cynical burgling fraternity know that every autumn students descend on the city in their thousands with shiny new laptops, ipads, games consoles and the latest phones.

Unfortunately, students often make themselves easy targets for opportunist criminals, who can steal a laptop in seconds if a door or window has been left open.

When we engage with universities through the Independent Police Advisory Group, the feedback we get is that students perhaps feel “it won’t happen to me”.

But it does. Take the 20-yearold student from Parham Road who left his bedroom window ajar while he went to London for a few days.

When he came back all the ornaments on his window sill had been moved. Someone had been in the room. He was lucky – nothing had been stolen – and I hope he’ll remember to lock up next time.

But we have had to record this, review it and spend time on it when that effort could be placed elsewhere within our policing duties. All because personal security didn’t feature highly enough on his radar.

I have spoken to countless burglary victims over the years and I know what a distressing crime it can be.

There’s another thing to consider. If you’ve left your room insecure it could negate any insurance claim. Never mind the fact that you could potentially lose vital coursework.

We work closely with the universities to push personal and home safety messages out to students.

It’s not rocket science. Keep keys, cash and expensive items out of view, use timer switches on lights and radios to make your room look occupied and security-mark expensive items like mobiles and laptops. You can also register them for free on the national Immobilise database.

And remember that old crime prevention mantra – lock it or lose it.

It does what it says on the tin.