Cambridge students have suffered a spate of burglaries this month, according to statistics released by Cambridge Police.

Since the beginning of October, 12 thefts of student possessions have occurred, with the average victim losing property worth between £700 and £800.

Sue Loaker, crime reduction officer for Cambridge Police, said the thefts  occurred when students left doors and windows unlocked, even for short periods of time.

 “Laptops are the most commonly stolen item, but photographic equipment, mobile phones and cash  – up to the value of thousands of pounds  – has also been taken,” she said. “Students might leave their rooms for just a few minutes, and, when they return, their stuff is gone.”

Hugh Burling, a theologian at John’s, became a victim sometime after 2am on October 26th, when a thief entered his room whilst he was sleeping inside.

“I thought I was going out again, but I went to bed instead,” explained Burling, who had stopped home for a glass of water. The thief stole a laptop, which has not been recovered.

According to Paul Doxey, head porter at John’s, central Colleges are particularly vulnerable.

 “There were three thefts at Trinity, one at John’s and one at Sidney,” he said. Burglaries have also occurred at several off-campus hostels. On Sunday night, a laptop, CD and organiser were stolen from a ground-floor room on Chesterton Road. The thief, who gained access through a window open just six to eight inches, appeared to have been been watching and waiting for the student to vacate the room.

While student thefts at Cambridge seem to be on the rise, students themselves appear generally unconcerned. A study released this week by the National Union of Students revealed that 84% of freshers aren’t worried about crime.

“I feel pretty safe here. If I’m just going from my floor to another floor, I don’t really bother to lock my door,” said Owen Pyle, a student at Selwyn College. “The school is relatively far out. We don’t really have random people walking around.

“Last year, my friend’s door was opened by a random guy. He ran when he was seen. It was reported to the porters, but he was long gone by then,” said Pyle.

Unlocked doors and windows left ajar are major facilitators of such robberies. “We all make mistakes and we all get sloppy,” said Doxey. “It’s just sad when someone else is there to prey on that vulnerability.”

Doxey explained that thieves were skilled at blending in. “They are usually younger persons. It’ll take them a minute, even less. These people have all sorts of excuses, and they’ll appear genuine.”

Many students, however, are more concerned for the vulnerability of more replaceable possessions in the face of thieves.

“To be fair, the only thing that really gets nicked is food, since our fridge is the closest to the back gate,” said Catherine Potterton, at Wolfson College.

“If you follow the basic rules, you’ll be fine. It’s about making yourself less attractive than the next person.”

Cambridge Police stressed that students take advantage of security facilities, including a property registry system which allows students to create a free private portfolio of all their property. 

“If you see someone suspicious, contact the porters immediately” Doxey said. “We don’t mind if it turns out to be nothing. Honestly.”