THOUSANDS of students returning for the new term are being warned to stay vigilant after an attempted burglary at a shared house in Southampton.

The incident took place at a student digs in Belmont Road in the city’s Portswood area last night.

Now police are urging students to ensure they secure their homes in the wake of attempted break-in.

It comes just days after masses of students have returned to the city for the autumn term.

Officers were called after a bay window was forced between 6-8pm – but it is unclear if the person was able to gain any entrance to the house.

Nothing was stolen and there was no sign of any disturbance within the property, police say.

PC Sam Woodley said: “This incident occurred in a small time frame within a busy residential street.

“There is a possibility the person or persons responsible were disturbed, so may not have entered the house.

“I would like to advise members of the public to ensure all windows and doors are completely shut and locked when leaving the house.”

People are urged to:

• Ensure side gates are locked to prevent access to the rear of the property.

• Ensure rear fencing is in good repair.

• Lock all windows and doors, remembering to double lock UPVC doors.

• Keep all keys out of reach and sight from the letterbox.

• Consider fitting security lighting and a burglar alarm and make use of timer switches to make the property appear occupied.

• Remove valuables from view of ground floor windows.

• Store any high value items such as jewellery and passports in a properly secured safe or bank vault.

• Get a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on their property.

• Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Woodley on 101, quoting 44160368998, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.