Campaign Safe House was in response to soaring burglary rates

The successful drive to combat break-ins has been spearheaded by the police and students and staff from the University of Ulster, Queen's University, Stranmillis College and local landlords.

The Campaign House Safe has seen domestic burglaries in the area reduced by 12% in just 12 months.

There were 170 fewer burglaries in the area in the past year compared to the previous 12 months.

South Belfast is home to thousands of students from the two universities and other colleges in the city.

Lap-top computers, mobile phones and DVD players are favoured by thieves who take advantage of students' often lax domestic security.

We have a simple message for our students - don't make a present of your property Ann Monaghan University of Ulster

The campaign is to be stepped up with police alerting students by text messages, emails, posters and leaflets.

The message is about the dangers of becoming victims of burglary and what measures can be taken to prevent thieves breaking into their homes.

The Campaign Safe House was launched in response to soaring burglary rates in south Belfast, with statistics published last April showing an 18% rise in burglaries over the previous year.

Lap-top computers and DVD players are favoured by thieves

Ann Monaghan, Community Relations Manager, at the University of Ulster, said: "If students take a few simple preventative measures and are vigilant about suspicious behaviour in their area, they can prevent many of the burglaries that take place annually.

"We are ready and willing to support and advise them to tackle this problem. We have a simple message for our students - don't make a present of your property".

PSNI Crime Prevention Officer for south Belfast Gail Haddock said the police welcomed the opportunity to work with the universities and partnership to raise awareness of the problem among students and their families.

"Together, we have made good progress- but everyone must continue to be vigilant in the battle against the burglars," she said.