STUDENTS are being urged to keep their possessions secure as they arrive back for the new academic term.

The number of burglaries tends to rise at this time of year and students, particularly in multi-occupancy homes, can be vulnerable to burglars.

Graham Milne, crime reduction adviser for Oxford Police, said: "Oxford is no more or less dangerous than any other city but it always pays to take a few sensible precautions to avoid falling victim to burglars.

"In a typical house lived in by students there is likely to be more than one lap top, several televisions and several different wallets.

"As well as the cost involved, you could lose valuable university work if your lap top is stolen.

"Take a few simple precautions and don't, for example, leave your lap top unattended next to an open window. Hide your lap top from view and locked away when you go out.

"Check doors and windows are locked when you are going out and do not assume other people will do it.

"If you live in halls make sure you lock your bedroom door even if you are only going to be away from the room for a short while.

"Make sure doors and security gates close behind you and do not allow people to follow you in without making sure you know who they are.

"I would encourage students to make a list of their property including serial numbers before going to university and mark it with ultra-violet security markers."

"Call 0845 8 505 505 and ask to speak to a crime reduction adviser who can suggest ways of making your home more secure."

Crime reduction advisers will be giving talks at university colleges and halls of residence in the coming weeks to help students avoid becoming a victim of crime.