A NEW way of driving home a crime prevention message to students in Hampshire is being launched.

Next week a DVD called Safer Students will be officially unveiled at the Harbour Lights Cinema in Ocean Village, Southampton.

The innovative DVD raises awareness of personal safety for students and gives advice on how to stay safe and avoid precarious situations In an effort to prevent students becoming victims of crime the DVD features key messages, such as the dangers of drink spiking, sexual assault, becoming a victim of robbery, and taxi safety.

Students are often more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime particularly when they move into new areas, or move away from home for the first time.

Produced by CityEye, Safer Students presents the messages in a thought-provoking, fun, and student friendly and has been jointly funded by Hampshire Constabulary, Southampton University, Solent University, Portsmouth University, and the Drinkaware Trust.

After its launch next Wednesday it will continue to be shown in universities across the county over the coming weeks, and may even be extended to sixth-form colleges and universities in other counties.

The DVD launch comes after the Daily Echo reported how burglars are targeting students in Southampton. About 40 student properties in Southampton have so far been targeted by the same person or people since the start of the year, police say.

Detectives at the city's burglary unit are investigating the series of break-ins and are appealing for anyone who has any information to contact them on 0845 045 4545.