TENS of thousands of students in Oxford are being warned before they go away for their Christmas break to do all they can to make sure their empty houses are not targeted by the city's criminals.

Emails and letters are being sent by Thames Valley Police and Oxford City Council to students at Oxford Brookes University and the University of Oxford giving them crime reduction tips.

Many buildings, in particular house- and flat-shares, will be left empty for an extended period of time and burglars will be looking to exploit any lapses in security.

Crime reduction adviser Graham Milne said: "Burglary, theft, and criminal damage are the main causes of distress for students in Oxford, the majority of whom have a great time while studying in the city.

"So, it's essential that students take responsibility for ensuring their homes and rooms are properly secured when they leave."

Graham strongly advises the following:

  • Where possible, there should be a policy of 'target removal'. Portable and attractive items, such as laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players, as well as cash and cheque books, should be taken with you; but if they can't, place them out of sight in a secure area.
  • Double check that all exterior doors and windows are locked, and where applicable, alarms set.
  • Interior doors should be locked when possible. If someone gains access to your house, you might still be able to keep them out of your room.
  • Leave some lights on to give the impression that the building is occupied. Simple timer switches are available from D.I.Y. stores for a few pounds that can switch lights on and off at set times.
  • To avoid unnecessary damage in the event of a break-in you may wish to leave filing cabinets and drawers unlocked if they do not contain valuable items.
  • Information held on stand-alone computers should be regularly backed-up and kept at a different location. To have your PC stolen is bad; to lose years of work could be a disaster.
  • Don't leave your cycles outside the house, or even worse locked at a bike stand somewhere in town. Ensure they are locked in a room or garage if possible, not left outside to be stolen.

Graham added: "With a little bit of forward planning you should be able to enjoy the Christmas break without worrying and return to find all as you left it."

If you would like to contact Graham Milne for more specific crime prevention advice, or if you have information about a crime that has taken place, you can call the police enquiry centre on 084 5 8 505 505.

If you have any information about criminal activity and want to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.