UK STUDENTS WARNED OF COMPUTER BURGLARIES http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1515410

STUDENTS in Sheffield are warned to take extra care over the summer months to avoid becoming victims of crime.

South Yorkshire police have recorded a spate of burglaries in Crookes, Broomhill, Sharrow and Highfield since the beginning of April and it is believed lighter nights have played a part in the increase.Wednesdays and Fridays are particularly busy for break-ins and 35 per cent of recent victims have been students.With warmer weather in the summer months, officers warn burglars will be on the look-out for open windows or doors.They also regularly target equipment left on display such as laptops and computers.
In response to the increase in burglaries, Safer Neighbourhood Teams have stepped up patrols in the areas, raised awareness with the city's two universities and have made personal visits to students to give crime reduction advice.
Insp Craig Patchett said: "We are aware of a spate of burglaries in this area and have increased patrols.
"We are continually working with the two city universities to make students more aware of how they can help prevent future incidents by ensuring windows and doors are secure before leaving their properties and making sure valuable pieces of equipment are not left on display."Det Chief Insp Martyn Bates said: "We take burglary offences very seriously and thorough investigations are carried out into each case. Student properties where there is multiple occupancy are a particular target for burglars, with laptop computers being the most common item stolen.
"We will be specifically targeting all legitimate outlets for second-hand laptops and those suspected as handling stolen items. The message South Yorkshire police would like to send out to all students is to be more safety conscious when leaving equipment on display and make sure that when leaving a property all windows and doors are locked."
20 May 2006