"Virtual thieves" deployed to combat crime
"Virtual thieves" are being used to drive home the Home Office's message about avoiding crime to students. The could-be thieves place stickers on unattended items that would have been easy to steal saying that they have been "virtually stolen". Laptops, mobile phones and bags are all likely targets.
The attention-grabbing initiative started at Cardiff University, and was developed specifically for students. The v-thief is also able to give advice on how to keep possessions safe, and posters and leaflets are being handed out.
Students are being advised to keep an eye on their bags and keep valuables like mobile phones hidden when out and about. Police also warn students to be discreet: wearing headphones or carrying a laptop bag indicates to thieves that they have something worth taking.
A third of all students are victims of theft or burglary.
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