Students have been warned to keep laptop computers secure following a spate of thefts in Oxford.

Officers are investigating five break-ins at student accommodation at Oxford colleges between the evening of January 16 and the morning of January 18, which are thought to be linked.

Rooms at Wadham College in Parks Road, St Peter's College in New Inn Hall Street, Somerville College in Woodstock Road, Regent's Park College in Pusey Street and New College in Holywell Street, were all burgled.

The thieves took a number of items, including computers. Police have appealed to students not to leave doors or windows unlocked and to have valuables marked with ultraviolet pens to help police trace stolen property.

Judith Taylor, crime reduction manager for Oxford, said: "To help the police and yourself, keep all laptops and computers safely out of sight, and lock all doors and windows when leaving your premises.

"Make sure valuables such as laptops and other expensive items of electrical equipment are hidden from view, particularly if you are away on your holidays.

"Blinds or net curtains are useful so that thieves cannot peer in."

For advice, call Oxford police on 01865 335172. If you are offered a secondhand laptop and think it is stolen, call Oxford police 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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