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BURGLARS are picking off revellers staggering home drunk from a night out, then following them to break into their homes, police have warned.

At least four incidents in Oxford during the last two weeks are being investigated by police who believe many more similar burglaries have gone unreported.

Gangs of burglars are said to be waiting in the Cowley Road area at night in the hope of spotting a drunk student or a young reveller who has had too many drinks.

Sometimes they befriend the partygoer or wait until they are opening their front door and either help them with their keys, or ensure the door is left ajar, before quietly sneaking inside unnoticed.

Officers fear these burglaries may increase as more students head out drinking in the coming weeks to celebrate the end of exams.

PC Craig Burchall, of Oxford's burglary team, said: "We are becoming aware of a group of people following drunk students home on a Friday and Saturday and getting into their homes. Often they are walking in after them or offering help at the door, then burgling their property.

"They hang around on Cowley Road in twos or threes near the bars and clubs and wait for people walking back drunk on their own. They look for people staggering, offer to help but then burgle their house.

"We've had a couple of incidents but we're pretty sure it's been happening more."

There have been at least four reported incidents of drunken students in East Oxford being followed home and burgled. Arrests have been made but no-one has been charged.

Laptops, mobile phones and MP3 players have all been stolen in the raids.

PC Burchall added: "If they are challenged or seen, they will walk away and try an easier target. They're not aggressive, but just on the lookout for people drunk wandering back."

People are being warned to be on lookout between 9pm and 2am in the Cowley Road area. Police have now increased patrols and the number of plain clothes officers on the beat.

Det Sgt Marc Tarbit, of Oxford burglary team, is pleading for anyone who has been a victim to report it to police. He said: "Students and young people should make sure when they leave the house to secure all doors and windows.

"Then when you return home after a night out, be aware of who is around you. We are currently talking about a low number of offences. We don't want people to get paranoid and think they're being followed home but just to take simple precautions."

A spokesman for Oxford University said students received regular safety advice.

The spokesman added: "The students are adults and living their own lives. There are limits to what the university can do. If they get drunk and rely on strangers to help them, it's not for the university to do anything - they live their own lives."

10:02am Saturday 17th May 2008

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