Vandals have trashed three homes in the student quarter, where firefighters have also been dealing with two couch fires.

Houses in Leith St North and Castle St were damaged over the weekend as vandals smashed windows, punched holes in walls, ransacked rooms and stole beer.

A door was ripped off a dryer, a television and printer were thrown against walls and cables were snapped off electronic gear.

Two couch fires in Castle St are being investigated, and police have also arrested two young Dunedin men for disorderly behaviour in the area.

The incidents coincide with the return of tertiary students to the city and police are stepping up their presence around campus.