Two police officers will be going back to college in a bid to cut crime.

The pair from Bradford Central Police will be working in partnership with Bradford University and Bradford and Ilkley Community College to enhance safety in the area.

They will be targeting students and advising them on personal safety and crime prevention.

"The university is a vulnerable area and as soon as the new term starts there is always an increase in crime, especially thefts and burglaries," said Sergeant Chris Plowman, community officer at Bradford Central Police.

"New students are arriving who may be away from home for the first time and who might not tend to think about the importance of locking doors or shutting windows in their halls of residence.

"Student accommodation is often an easy target for thieves as many young people have stereos, computers and other equipment worth thousands of pounds but don't think about security.

"The two officers will be working part-time at different times during the academic day and evening when it is felt students are most vulnerable.

"We are taking a holistic approach to reducing crime, nuisance and the fear of crime by working in partnership with other agencies.

"The issues often raised by members of the public in Bradford cannot be solved by the police alone."

PC Joanne Walker and PC Andy Bruce will link up with the university to help reduce crime and the fear of crime and to serve as a contact point for students in the area.

They will be working with residents, business people, university and college staff, students and the Students' Union to identify any problem areas.

The pair will have an office at the university and the college where students can call in.

As well as providing high visibility patrols, the officers will be able to liaise with staff and students and issue basic crime prevention advice.

Jenny Larden, women's officer at the Students' Union at Bradford University, said that the new initiative would make students feel safer.

"It's a really positive step forward for Bradford students and to have a police presence around the campus will make people feel a lot more secure," she said.

"There is a fear of crime in Bradford, like any other city, and when you're away from home it can become a big issue. The biggest job they can do will be raising awareness of crime prevention amongst students."

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