Across Greater Manchester there are over 80,000 students. Over the coming weeks students will be starting at local colleges and universities, and many local young people will be starting college either nearby or away from home.

Greater Manchester Police are urging new and returning students to stay safe as the new term begins.

The police say: “Starting university is an exciting time for new students, and their arrival each year is what makes Greater Manchester such a vibrant and dynamic city to live in. Unfortunately, students are also susceptible to becoming victims of crime because each term they bring valuables worth thousands of pounds. We urge them to both look after one another and consider their own safety.”

“Simple steps such as being discrete when using mobile phones in public, locking windows and doors at the front and back of properties as well as keeping valuables out of sight in the home are simple steps that can prevent them from becoming a victim of crime. We want this campaign to give students the best start to their university life, by giving some simple tips that mean they can concentrate on getting settled and having fun.”

For more information on student safety visit www.gmp.police.uk/students or ‘like’ GMP’s specialist Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/mcrstudentsafer. The page includes updates on crime in your area and features useful information and advice on how to stay safe.