Police say they do not want students to become complacent

Thames Valley Police officers and university staff joined forces earlier in February, following concerns about a number of break-ins.

Since the new university term began on 6 January, there have been only two break-ins at the campus - both before the new policing scheme was introduced.

That compares with 17 burglaries at the same accommodation between 6 January and 24 February in 2002.

People are urged to keep their windows and doors locked, even if they are just going into the shower Pc John Steane, Thames Valley Police

The first burglary this year happened between 19 and 22 January in Wantage Hall, Upper Redlands Road, when a cash card and �10 was stolen from a student's room.

The second, on 24 January, occured at Bridges Hall, in Whiteknights Road, when computer equipment worth �2,400 was stolen after a ground floor window was forced open.

Pc John Steane, of Thames Valley Police force's burglary investigation unit, said he is pleased with the results of the operation and the drop in the number of burglaries.

He said: "While the message has been sent out that we will continue to work to clamp down on those who prey on the students and done all we can to secure the buildings, we do not want people to become complacent.

"Many of the incidents happened because rooms were left insecure and the burglars could simply climb through open or insecure windows to steal goods.

"People are urged to keep their windows and doors locked, even if they are just going into the shower, and to keep their possessions in a safe place, out of view."