Condoms urge 'protect valuables'

Students are told 'size doesn't matter'

Police officers are using condoms as their latest weapon in a campaign to tackle crime.

West Midlands Police are giving out the promotional condoms, which bear the message "protect your valuables", to students at the region's universities.

A spokesman said many students bring a range of equipment with them, such as laptops and mobile phones, which are attractive to thieves.

The condoms will help young people to think about crime prevention, he said.

Thousands of students are due to begin their studies this month.

The condoms are part of a range of merchandise created for them.

One message reads: "Size doesn't matter... thieves will steal your phone, laptop, ipod or car... so protect your valuables'.

The condoms are available from the University of Birmingham, Aston University, the University of Central England, Coventry University, the University of Warwick, the University of Wolverhampton and Newman College of Higher Education.

Other merchandise includes computer screen wipes, car ice scrapers, personal attack alarms, pens, key rings and bottle openers.