Spike in burglaries

Security have issued warnings to all students after a recent spate of burglaries on campus around the Tocil residences.

This term has seen four burglaries in the same accommodation. In each case the
thefts were through an insecure ground floor window that had been left open whilst the
occupant was out of the room.

One student, who wished to remain anonymous, described the way in which the thieves
broke into Tocil. “A mate of mine who lives on the ground floor went out for a couple of
hours in the evening when it was dark, but he’d left his window half open. He lives towards
the back end of the building, and his room is blocked off by a building wall but they still
managed to break open the window and take his laptop and phone.”

Some students called for increased security in Tocil, after it became apparent that the
windows were easily forced open. Jenny Smythe, a first-year Business student believes that
better CCTV would deter thieves. “If there are signs up stating that there are cameras in the
area, people will be less likely to take the risk in breaking into someone’s room. I also think we need better door and window locks.”

The police, security managers and estates department have conducted a lighting survey and
it is hoped that extra lighting will be implemented to deter burglars.

Students have been given letters and advice from student support highlighting the need to
lock doors and windows.

Campus policeman Mick Parkes said that the police and security team had conducted joint
operations including uniform and plain clothes patrols to combat the crime.

“These burglaries are unusual” said Parkes. “In 2011 there were only six rooms attacked during the whole twelve months. As a community we need to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to the security team”.

“Due to the extra security patrols, the team recently disrupted two males near to the Tocil
blocks. Security passed on vital information to the police which I hope will identify the
offenders”.

Increased food thefts have also been reported on campus in Hurst. The “Hurst kitchen thief” has been stealing food since term one. In emails seen by the Boar, the resident tutor urged students of Hurst 1-11 to be vigilant.

“Someone has been seen TODAY going in and out of flats where they don’t belong, and leaving with a bag full of food which may or may not be theirs”, reads one email.

“When approached by a resident in a kitchen, she said she was looking for her friend and
made a call on her iPhone before quickly leaving” reads another.

The tutor described the kitchen thief as “a tall Asian girl wearing glasses, a yellow sweater
and carrying a blue bag.”

One fourth-year student from Hurst described the thefts as “a bit desperate” but said that she is satisfied with University security.

Students are urged to contact the Security Gatehouse on ext. 22083 if they see any
suspicious behaviour around campus.