British Transport Police have warned students bound for university in Canterbury to watch out for gadget grabbers.

They believe opportunistic thieves will target students who are traveling back to the city ahead of the new academic year.

There will be more police patrols on busy routes near to universities and at tube stations as part of a nationwide day of action called Operation Magnum.

They want to cut the number of phones, tablets and laptops which are lost or stolen each year, and have urged students to register their items on a national database.

Detective Inspector Jez Walley, who is leading the operation, said: “As students begin the new term, we want them to protect their property.

“Logging gadgets on the National Property Register should be part of every student’s start-of-term checklist.

“It greatly improves your chances of getting your property back if you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of theft.

“Many have high-value laptops, tablets and smartphones - easy pickings for thieves - and there are some simple steps they can take to reduce the chances of them becoming a victim.

“Last year we received over 5,750 reports of theft of personal property from train passengers in London and the South-East.

“This was reduction of 10 per cent on 2012, but hand-held gadgets continue to be a prime target for pickpockets and opportunist thieves.”

National Union of Students (NUS) Vice President, Colum McGuire said many students will return to universities across the south east using public transport.

He said: “Students can be a particular target for thieves, as they know that they are likely to be in possession of high value items such as laptops.

“NUS would advise students to ensure that their belongings are always within sight when travelling, and that the most valuable items are kept close to their person.”