Students are warned to check windows and doors are locked

Officers have been touring the city's halls of residence and speaking to students about how to ensure they do not become victims of crime.

They will also man a stand at the Freshers Fair on the Kedleston Road site of the University of Derby.

There are concerns students are an easy target, often having very valuable items in poorly secured housing.

Personal Safety tips Don't flash money or valuables around Drunkenness makes you vulnerable Stay together or use taxi's

Insp Shaun Skelton said: "This has been a really useful opportunity for us to meet with students and offer advice on crime reduction issues.

"It's all about raising awareness.

"We want students to have a great time at university but remain mindful of the personal safety as well as home security issues.

"By encouraging people to take simple safety precautions, we want to ensure their time spent studying here is a safe and fun experience."

Home security suggestions Check doors and windows are locked Use a UV pen to mark your property Make sure you are properly insured.

According to officers the majority of incidents involve victims who look lost, take short cuts in the early hours or walk home alone.

They suggest students should keep aware of their surroundings, especially when using a cash machine.

Many students are also unaware of who they are letting into shared houses or student halls.

Students are also warned they should never assume unfamiliar people are with their housemates or that noises in the house are other residents