More than 50,000 students live in Liverpool

Merseyside Police's Operation Student Safe is aimed at the more than 50,000 students at the University of Liverpool, John Moores and Hope University.

They will also be maintaining high profile patrols in student areas of the city.

Officers say the 2002 campaign was a big success, helping lowering the number of people aged between 17 and 25 who were robbed by 38% from 670 to 415.

Members of the force's Be Streetsafe team will be at the Liverpool John Moores University Fresher Fair on Monday at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King.

They will talk to new students and offer crime prevention and personal safety advice.

'Extremely reassuring'

Officers are also working with the universities and students unions to reduce the number of students who get robbed.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian McPherson said: "We want students to follow simple safety advice to ensure that they do not become a victim of crime and can enjoy this exciting new time in their lives.

"We will be highly visible and available throughout the academic year to maintain the hard work already done in reducing robbery and be accessible to speak to the students to ensure they enjoy their time in Liverpool as safely as possible."

Anne Marie McGarrity, of Liverpool John Moores University Student Union, said: "After the success of last year's Be Streetsafe campaign I am really looking forward to working over the academic year with Merseyside Police.

"It is extremely reassuring for students to see the high police presence in traditional student areas.

"New and current students need to use their common sense regarding their personal safety and the campaign provides a lot of useful tips in the literature to help them do this."