Careless students are getting calling cards from security guards as part of a scheme to combat campus crime.

The 'swag' cards are being left in insecure rooms and with unattended property as a warning to the owner that they are vulnerable to thieves.

The scheme has been developed by Bradford Central Police, Bradford University, Bradford College and the Students' Union.

And the campaign has already paid dividends with burglaries on student accommodation bet-ween September and December cut from 50 last year to just three this year.

Bradford Central Police Crime Prevention Officer, PC Paul Corah, said: "The cards act as a warning to students that they should be more careful in protecting their property, as well as giving basic advice about crime prevention."

He added there had been an extremely positive reaction to the scheme from students, who were taking the advice on board and acting responsibly.

Bradford University security manager Des Cogan said security staff were reaching into rooms and leaving the calling cards while patrolling halls of residence.

"We are very pleased with the innovative approach taken by the police and that so many students are taking part."

Kelly MacBryde, Students' Union communication secretary, said many students were now taking greater care over the safety of their belongings.

"In halls of residence it is all too easy to think that your room will remain safe if you just pop out for a couple of minutes and leave your door unlocked. The swag cards have helped make students more aware of the dangers," she said.

PC Corah has staged a number of initiatives to try and cut campus crime. A special pack giving crime prevention advice was sent out by the Students' Union before the start of term.

Police took the mobile exhibitions unit to the campus during freshers' week and spoke to both students and parents.

The Bradford Central Crime Action Team have also been targeting known offenders.

The partnership is now looking at making the freshers' week project an annual event and extending the swag cards scheme to cover accommodation rented by second and third year students.

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