CRIME at the University of York has dropped by more than a third since it got its own team of police officers.

The number of incidents at the university's Heslington campus fell by 36 per cent from 243 in 2006 to 156 in 2007.

The success has been put partly down to the site having a team of PCs and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) dedicated to preventing crime there.

Sergeant Andy Haigh, of the Safer Neighbourhood Team for the area, said: "The University of York was already a very, very safe place to be, but the good news is now it is even safer."

Crime dropped across all categories with the number of burglaries falling by 42 per cent from 50 in 2006 to 29 in 2007, and car crime falling a massive 69 per cent, from 48 incidents in 2006, to only 15 in 2007.

Criminal damage has fallen 80 per cent from 42 incidents in 2006 to eight in 2007.

The number of cycle thefts at the campus remains a problem - but even that has dropped by 17 per cent, from 63 incidents in 2006 to 52 in 2007. Sgt Haigh said a lot of work had been done by police and partner agencies to ensure that the university was a safe place for students.

A radio link was set up to connect the campus directly with officers at Fulford Road police station and PCSOs make regular patrols of the campus.

Sgt Haigh said: "We are working closely with the security team at the university, and with Safer York Partnership, which had played a big part in this crime reduction.

"The Student's Union is excellent as well.

"For many students, it is their first time away from home and they can be a bit complacent about their security. They do need to make sure their rooms are secure."

Safer York Partnership have provided funding for free security equipment for students, including bike tags, UV pens to mark their property, and personal attack alarms.

PC Jo Brooke said there were also plans to introduce a monthly police surgery at the university so students could raise any concerns with their local officers and get crime prevention advice.

Students are advised to:

* Lock the doors to their accommodation and take care not to let in strangers through communal doors * Take care not to leave equipment such as laptops unattended * Keep windows locked * Lock bikes up securely in a well-lit area * Generally be aware of who is around them, even when they are on campus.

Anyone who has concerns about crime on campus or who wants some security advice can phone the Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 6060247.