David Dickinson wants students to be more security conscious

Dickinson - whose Bargain Hunt show has achieved cult status among students - joined forces with Home Office minister Hazel Blears on Friday to promote the initiative, "good2bsecure".

As part of the initiative students are being offered the chance to win a dinner date with the presenter.

The campaign has been set up after the Home Office's "University Student Safety" report, last April, revealed up to 30% of students are targeted by criminals.

I want to get students thinking about what they own and how easy it is to look after it David Dickinson

It includes an internet game - "Bargain Boost" - featuring an animated Dickinson, which allows students see how easy it is to become a victim of burglary.

The campaign has been kicked off at universities in London, Manchester, Leeds, Oxford, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Newcastle, Liverpool, Sheffield and Nottingham.

In Bargain Boost players can choose to be either Stu Grant - and try to protect student halls from would-be burglars, or Baz Knock Mastero - a burglar trying to liberate students' gear.

The highest scoring player will win the dinner date with Dickinson.

Advice For Students Check doors and windows are locked at night Don't walk home alone late at night Don't show off your cash, mobile phone or laptop, or leave them lying around Never leave belongings in your car - anything can tempt a thief

Ms Blears said: "Students can take simple, no-cost steps to protect themselves and their property."

Dickinson said he was delighted to back the campaign as students are his biggest fans.

"Many students don't realise how valuable their possessions are.

"An unlocked student house could spell a real bargain to thieves. I want to get students thinking about what they own and how easy it is to look after it."

The Bargain Boost game is available on-line to all students providing general crime prevention advice.