Thousands of new students arriving in Bradford are being targeted in a safety campaign which features podcasts for the first time.

The Think Smart, Be Safe scheme gives the city's 6,500 freshers help and advice on how to avoid falling prey to criminals.

Bradford South Police has teamed up with Bradford University and Bradford College to help the arrivals stay safe.

This year's students will be among the first in the county to hear the message through a series of audio Podcasts, featuring safety advice from the Force's Crime Reduction Detective Inspector John Minary. During Freshers' Week, every student will receive a drawstring pump bag, containing a year planner featuring key dates in the academic year and accompanying safety tips.

Bradford South crime reduction officer PC Richard Walton said: "By taking just a few simple steps, they can avoid becoming victims of crime and get on with making the most of what should be an exciting time for them.

"We don't want to worry them at all, we just want them to be aware that criminals can see them as easy targets."

Students will be given a property marking pack linked with the www.immobilise.com website, where they can log on to register all their valuables from mobile phones to bicycles.

The pack also contains a pen, ruler, lanyard and identity card holder feature the Think Smart, Be Safe logo and telephone numbers. Students will also be treated to a series of safety presentations in Freshers' Week.

Students can help to stay safe using West Yorkshire Police's Best Bar None scheme - an award-winning scheme which accredits safety and security procedures in bars, pubs and clubs.

Students can bolster their knowledge and win prizes on the Student Safety Files section of the website - www.westyorkshire. police.uk.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk