A home insurance group has warned students against leaving valuables such as televisions and laptops in their houses or rooms over the Christmas period.

The insurer warned that burglars identify and target accommodation that is housed by students. In a study, it found that student locations were three times more likely to be burgled than those in a non-academic region.

Many students benefit from cover through their parents' home contents policy, for example if they are in halls of residence. But stand-alone cover may be necessary for certain valuable items and bicycles.

Stuart Wartalski, an insurer commented: “Students' belongings are worth £2,000 to £5,500 on average. It is important to make sure expensive items are covered, particularly if they are going to be left behind during the break.”