A squad of 12 student Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators will be at the heart of the scheme covering Headingley, Hyde Park, Woodhouse, Burley and Little London.

The scheme is not only aimed at cutting crime, but also at improving the quality of life of all residents.

Leeds University has successfully bid for more than £70,000 funding from the Home Office's Safer Homes Fund to establish the crime offensive and to expand the student safety campaign 'Knowledge'.

The bid for the cash was part of Leeds Universities & Colleges Crime Reduction Partnership, which includes representatives from the University of Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds Trinity University College, Leeds College of Music, students' unions, West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council and Unipol Student Homes.

Each co-ordinator will be a link between students, permanent residents and the police. It is believed to be the first scheme of its kind in the country.

Insp Simon Jessup said: "This is an exciting opportunity for the thousands of students living in these areas to play a key role in helping to keep communities safe, not just for fellow students but for all residents."