STUDENTS are being urged to wise up on security after a spate of thefts over the New Year.

Police say shared houses and halls of residence can often be targeted by unscrupulous thieves eager to get their hands on laptops and computer consoles.

Insecure windows and doors are like open invitations to burglars who may be indistinguishable in properties where numerous people live or visit during the day and evening.

Already this year since students have returned to Southampton for the new term, there have been several break-ins across the city.

Among the most recent, burglars attempted to gain entry to a house in Imber Way, Bitterne, causing damage to the outside. They struck sometime between 8am and 4pm on January 6.

On the same day, between 2.30pm and 4.30pm, thieves broke in to a shared house in Cambridge Road, and stole two digital cameras and two Dell laptops worth £320 and £500.

Helen Ward, pictured, from the burglary investigation team (BIT) based at Hulse Road, said: “I would urge students to think about making another New Year’s resolution – and increase their security awareness whether they are living in shared homes or halls of residence.

“We have had a spate of laptop thefts and other electrical items stolen over the festive period and New Year. For a student, losing a laptop is not just losing a piece of equipment, it can often mean losing a considerable amount of work that is irreplaceable.”

Anyone wanting further advice or who has information about a burglary should contact the BIT on 023 8059 9997.