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Leicester has a high population of students with Leicester University and De Montfort University found in the inner city boundaries as well as numerous schools and colleges.

Valuables

It is these possessions that make students targets with laptops, PCs, games consoles and mp3 players amongst the items most likely to be found in their homes and also most attractive to a burglar.

De Montfort University student, Laura Lucia, who experienced two burglaries last term, said, "Its one of the worst feelings I've ever felt, I've always dreaded it happening.

"The first time we were burgled there were three laptops taken, two iPods, a digital camera, and four rings. All of which totaled about 拢3000.

"After living in halls of residence for the first year where you know you're fairly safe, it doesn't occur to you that the second year might be any different."

Student street (Photo: Kayleigh Sharpe)

Halls of residence across the city provide the safety and security that you need when moving to Leicester for the first time however it can be a big shock when you leave these behind in your second year.

Safety Advice

Mick Carr, who runs the current Burglary Reduction Scheme with Leicester City Council said,听 "Burglars target students because they know they can get a brand new laptop at the drop of a hat, without much effort on their part.

"The best way a student can protect themselves against burglary is to make sure they do the simple things like locking doors and windows before leaving the house. It is common sense really.

"Opportunist and distraction burglary are other kinds that a student needs to be aware of. Always double check the ID of anyone who comes to your door and follow up any concerns that you have."

De Montfort University offers an Accreditation Scheme in partnership with Leicester City Council and Leicester Landlords' Association which offers student houses that have been inspected with security measures that are expected in a secure property.

This scheme uses a code of conduct that ensures that properties have strong and solid external doors with appropriate locks fitted as well as making sure that ground floor windows have locks on them too.

A Few Simple Steps

Of course these are some simple things you can do once you move in to make sure your house is not seen as easy prey.

Safety of light!

It is often the house that is known as a student property that is targeted, so try to minimize the 'student' look.

The stacked up pizza boxes and empty bottles outside your back door are a big giveaway so try to avoid the student image as hard as it may be.

Also simple things like closing your curtains while you are out or even leaving lights on could stop a potential burglary.

These are all precautions you should be taking not only in term time but also over your breaks from university.

Laura Lucia said: "The burglars knew we were students and burgled us because of that and the fact that we were out for the night. We use lights on timers now to make sure when we are out or going home for the holidays we are not seen as targets again."

These steps may seem obvious but they will be valuable while you complete your studies and you never know they could prevent a burglary in your own home when you really are in the 'real world'.