Thousands of students in Oxford are being warned to secure their homes before they go away for their Christmas break.

Emails and letters are being sent by Thames Valley Police and Oxford City Council to students at Oxford Brookes University and Oxford University, 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 it was essential that students take responsibility for ensuring their homes and rooms are properly secured when they leave.

Mr Milne advised students:

Where possible, take with you laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players, as well as cash and cheque books. If you 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 DIY stores for a few pounds that can switch lights on and off at set times

Information held on stand-alone computers should be regularly backed-up and kept at a different location

Don't leave your cycles outside the house, or even worse locked at a bike stand somewhere in town

Mr Milne 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."

For further information telephone Mr Milne on 08458 505505.