WEST Yorkshire Police are now patrolling the virtual world to get vital safety messages across to students.

Officers are displaying special safety messages for students in Second Life, the 3D global networking world – including students at Huddersfield University.

Second Life is a 3D virtual world opened in 2003 which has millions of users who interact with each other via personalised computerised characters called avatars.

It has been described as a vast digital continent with its own currency, the Linden dollar.

Force crime reduction officer Det Insp Duncan MacNay said: “We are always looking at new ways of getting the message across. We already have a force Facebook website as well as video messages on YouTube and now we are posting safety tips on Second Life.

“Many students are away from home for the first time, feel vulnerable and can sometimes be the victim of crime. We want to help them feel safer in the county by making them aware of our safety tips and advice.”

Users will be invited to visit the student safety section of the force website – www.westyorkshire.police.uk – where all West Yorkshire students have the chance to win a Nintendo Wii by viewing the safety files compiled for police by students.