THIEVES have been targeting Bournemouth's student population in a spate of burglaries.

The Charminster area has been the scene of 29 reported burglaries and West Cliff has seen 20 since the beginning of October.

Detective Inspector Stewart Balmer of Bournemouth CID, said: "The figures are particularly disappointing after the successes we've had with this type of crime over the last few years.

"The upturn in the numbers seems to coincide with college students who have returned to their accommodation - and a significant number of students are victims in these offences.

"The crimes can occur at any time of the day or night and in many of the incidents the thieves entered homes through insecure doors or windows, and it looks likely that different burglars are operating in the two areas.

"The thieves stole valuable electronic equipment including lap-tops, mobile phones, personal MP3 music players and DVD players and I'd like to hear from anyone being offered such items cheaply, or knowing of such items being sold."

DI Balmer added: "I'd like to encourage students and all residents to be more careful with their possessions. Simple steps such as hiding valuables so they can't be seen from outside can make a difference.

"Burglary is a priority crime and a team of specialist officers continue to meticulously investigate each and every offence."

He urged people to register their valuables with the free database immobilise.com

  • Police have made six arrests and charged a 42-year-old Bournemouth man in connection with nine offences. The other five men remain on police bail.