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The stereotype of Glasgow as a city of marauding razor gangs may be outmoded, but its eight city centre universities and colleges have joined forces with the police to ensure that it is safer for students.

Some 50,000 leaflets on safety have been distributed in Strathclyde and Glasgow Caledonian Universities, Glasgow School of Art, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the Colleges of Food Technology and of Building and Printing, the Central College of Commerce, and Stow College. Glasgow University, which is not part of the scheme, is not in the city centre but in the more salubrious West End.

The eight believe they are unique in the United Kingdom in forming a crime awareness panel, a joint initiative between students, college management, and the police.

The message to students is that Glasgow is a lively and exciting city with a great deal going on and plenty to see and do. Taking sensible precautions will help them avoid becoming unnecessary victims of crime. They are told to be confident and aware, "It will make you feel less vulnerable and after all, you have every right to be out and about", and are advised to carry a personal attack alarm.

"Wherever you are, take care of your personal belongings, but don't put yourself at risk to save them," the leaflet warns.