HUNDREDS of burglaries and attempted break-ins took place within a one-mile radius of the University of Southampton campus last year.

Figures compiled by locksmithservice.co.uk reveal that 423 "burglary incidences" were reported within a mile of the central point of the campus between January and November 2016.

But Les Harris, Bassett ward city councillor and retired police officer, believes that more than 800 incidents could have realistically taken place and called for more awareness on the matter.

Mr Harris said: “There are probably a lot more incidents taking place that are not being reported. For every one reported, there’s probably another that is not.

“We do not know about these incidents until they have all happened – awareness would help the situation, without a question.”

Sharon Smith, secretary of North East Bassett Residents Association, said two garages were burgled last month, while other places have been targeted.

“Any burglary, attempted or successful, is a problem,” Mrs Smith said.

"Residents tend not to feel safe in their own homes. There needs to be a greater police presence in the area to tackle the problem."

One homeowner in Monks Wood Close, Bassett, said thieves tried to break into her garage last month while she and her husband were at their son’s for dinner. The electric garage’s mechanism was damaged.

The woman, who is retired, said: “A neighbour of mine was driving home when he spotted three suspicious-looking men in our road at around 7pm. He also spotted that the door to our garage was a little bit open.

“He rang police to report he saw them, and when I looked at our garage on the Monday morning, it looked like someone had tried to prise the door open with a crowbar.”

The woman, who had to pay £120 to get a mechanism fixed, added: “You just get so angry about this – they have no respect for other people’s property.

“They have no conscience about it. They didn’t get away with anything and I just ended up with the bill. It has left me very cross.”

Beryl Harris, Bassett ward councillor, said there needs to be a greater police presence to tackle the problem.

She added: “We never see police officers walking around here anymore. I have been on to the police many times and hear a lot of the residents of Bassett asking for Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings.

“I believe there are other PACT meetings taking place in other areas of the city, but it was decided to knock Bassett meetings on the head because they are not well-attended.

“As a community, we do not know what’s going on and get our information through hearsay – more police action is needed.

“When you look at these figures, it shows that more than one burglary incident a day took place in 2016 and that is very concerning.”

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: “We don't know what methodology the website used exactly to come up with their figures and what crimes they included as 'burglary incidences'.

“It is likely to include all attempted burglaries and non-dwelling burglaries as well as those in homes to get to figures like this.

“However undoubtedly some students every year in Southampton do fall victim to mainly opportunist burglars who will look to steal things like mobile phones and laptops. Many of these burglaries happen when new students arrive.

“Tackling burglaries remains a priority for us and we put a lot of time and effort into preventing burglaries and catching those who commit these crimes but they is a lot people can do themselves to help stop themselves becoming a victim."

A spokesman for the University of Southampton said: “All of our halls of residence have 24 hour security and CCTV, and students have access to support seven days a week. They are given security advice before they arrive in halls and during their stay.

“Many students live in private rented accommodation and the Advice Centre at the students’ union provides excellent information about how they can keep their valuables and themselves safe.

"Private rental properties in SASSH (Southampton Accreditation Scheme for Student Housing) are expected to reach certain security levels, for example with appropriate good quality locks on windows and doors.

“The university has a strong relationship with local police officers, who regularly engage with students on campus relating to security matters.

"The students’ union also supports an annual police initiative to prevent burglaries in the Portswood area.”