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Students warned by burglary victim to lock communal windows in halls of residence

Katherine Ballinger is urging fellow students to take extra care to secure communal windows and doors – especially on the ground floor.

Law student Katherine, who is currently finishing a Masters degree before she moves on to doing a PHD, was burgled after a ground floor window was left open in the halls of residence where she lives.

The burglar used a small window to reach in and unlatch a larger window giving easy access.

Once inside the burglar kicked in Katherine's door damaging the wooden door frame and surrounding plaster work.

Other residents in the building may have left the small window open thinking that it was not big enough for someone to fit through, without thinking it could be used to reach the catch to the larger window.

Katherine, aged 28, who lives in Stoke Bishop, said: "Luckily, because I was in the process of moving from one room to another there wasn't much in my new room to steal.

"At first it was more the inconvenience and shock that something like this could happen, because I always thought I was very security conscious.

"Now I guess I feel a bit freaked out knowing that someone has been through my things and it makes me realise how vulnerable you are if you don't lock all doors and windows – especially on the ground floor.

"Because I live on the first floor, and not the ground floor, I thought it was less likely to happen to me. But it's important if you live in a shared building that everyone realised the importance of securing communal windows and doors that could give burglars a way in.

"If everyone thinks the same way and makes sure they check when leaving a building then you reduce the opportunity for burglars."

On average, approximately one in four dwelling burglaries take place at insecure premises in Avon and Somerset, so it is vital that local residents follow basic crime prevention advice.

Top Tips to keep your home safe.

• Always secure windows and doors – even in warmer weather and especially at night. If you do want to open a window, never leave it unattended.
• Keep small high-value items like your car keys, mobile phone, wallet, handbag and jewellery out of sight, and ensure they can not be seen through cat flaps and letter boxes
• Don't write down PIN numbers.
• Set light switch timers for when you are out or away on holiday
• Take an interest in the security at the homes of vulnerable family members and look out for your neighbours
• Report any suspicious behaviour. It is common for an offender to checkout a number of properties for entry points before finding a vulnerable home
• Keep photos of your jewellery, take a note of serial numbers and mark your property with a forensic code liquid, like SmartWater. For further information please visit www.smartwater.com
• You should also register your property on www.immobilise.com

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