A 30-year-old male was arrested last weekend in St John’s when a student caught him trying to steal from unlocked rooms.

The intruder had to be forcibly restrained with the assistance of a porter and another passing undergraduate until police arrived.

The incident took place at 7.30am on 30th October after the student recognised his trainers in the hands of an unfamiliar man passing him on the stairwell.

When challenged, the accused thief made a flustered dash to escape but the student was able to pursue and grab him before he was successful.

St John’s have been quick to defend the security of the College, claiming that the trespasser was of student age so did not stand out.

"The level of security is as high a standard as can be achieved," Head Porter Paul Doxey informed Varsity. "The students are reminded throughout the year that they are responsible for the individual security of their room," he said.

Advice to "never try to tackle a burglar yourself", contained in the St John’s Freshers’ Guide may need to be reassessed, given the manner in which this burglary was prevented.

Police assured Varsity that although the potential criminal has been granted bail, he will be charged in court and is known to police.

St John’s receives thousands of tourists each year, which means that it is easy for potential burglars to gain access to student rooms.

"It’s surprising that someone managed to get into an accommodation block at that time of day," a St John’s historian told Varsity. "But porters are not that diligent in checking University cards."