UNIVERSITY chiefs have criticised a report which named Bolton as one of the top 10 most unsafe places for students.

A new report analysed 535,468 crimes in student areas in 64 towns and cities in England and Wales to find the places where Britain's students are most exposed to high levels of crime.

The data, carried out by website StuRents, revealed that students in Brighton were living with the highest levels of recorded crime in 2014 with an average rate of 829.4 incidents per thousand residents over the period, occurring where they live. Bolton was placed eight with 387.5 incidents per thousand residents.

The research measured recorded crimes against anyone — student or non-student — in areas where students live.

A University of Bolton spokesman said: "The figures are ambiguous and misleading in that they include all recorded crimes and not just those in which a student is the victim.

"The Complete University Guide undertook similar research having sought professional advice looking only at crimes that are most relevant to students, these being burglary, robbery and violent crime between May 2013 and April 2014.

"The outcome of the research was that Bolton was ranked 61 of 126 universities with a reported figure of 18.82 reported incidents per thousand residents, not the 387.5 as quoted by StuRents.

"This research looked at universities in England and Wales and then at crimes reported per thousand residents within the wards or electoral divisions of which parts are within 3 miles of the main university campus.

"The Which University Guide from June 2014 unlike StuRents did not list Bolton in the worst 10 locations for crime."

He pointed out that the research conducted by StuRents looked only at 64 towns and cities in England and Wales — and not individual universities "of which there are in excess of 120 in England".

The spokesman added: "It is also unclear which specific areas and radius from private halls of residence contributed to the report however reference is made regarding defining an area in which any given private halls of residence is located.

"In Bolton the majority of private halls are located in the heart of the towns centre along Bradshawgate and Nelson Square and so reported crimes will be higher."

He said the safety of students was "paramount" with the university working closely with the police — meeting monthly to discuss any concerns — and running campaigns promoting safety.

The spokesman said: "Last year the university working with GMP, and through support of local businesses, developed Student Safe Zones a scheme already successful in Manchester City Centre.

"GMP developed an application for smartphones or tablets that allowed students to identify places of refuge should they feel threatened, if they have been a victim of crime or even simply require directions.

"Within the University Halls of Residence, we provide personal contents insurance to all students.

"Since its commencement in September 2012 we have not received a single claim against the insurance as a result of a theft or burglary."

The safest place was said to be Egham in Surrey, which experienced the lowest levels of crime, which an average rate of 57 crimes per thousand in areas where students live.

For the full report click here.