Convicted robbers will be targeted by police as part of a scheme to cut crime against tourists this summer.

People convicted of robbery will receive letters or visits from officers, warning them of the consequences of re-offending.

The move is part of Operation Buzzard, which aims to tackle the threat of street robbery posed to foreign students and tourists in Oxford.

The city attracts about 5,000 foreign students over the summer months, but they are seen as easy targets by muggers.

For the third year, officers will mount high visibility and plain-clothed patrols in trouble hotspots, including Blackbird Leys, Littlemore and the city centre. Last year’s operation helped cut robberies by 35 per cent, from 84 in 2009 to 54.

Det Sgt Pauline Heilbron said the city experienced higher levels of robbery during the summer.

She said: “People in the city who have been convicted of robbery will receive a letter from Supt Amanda Pearson informing them of the operation and the consequences of reoffending.

“Any juveniles with a robbery conviction will receive a visit from an officer.”

Officers launched the operation at Oxford United’s Kassam Stadium on Wednesday.

A large number of foreign students get dropped off at the complex because they stay with families in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys while studying.

The neighbourhood team, together with Oxford City Council’s community response team, will be welcoming students when they arrive, handing out crime reduction leaflets.

Police horses and dog teams will also be deployed regularly across the city.

Sgt Rob Axe said officers wanted to reassure people that Oxford is a safe place to visit.

He said: “We have a huge influx of tourists and foreign students and they can sometimes be more vulnerable than residents, which happens in any city in the world.

“We want to make sure that they are aware of what steps they can take to not make themselves vulnerable.”

dhearn@oxfordmail.co.uk