TASMANIA Police are warning international students if they are caught with weapons for protection they will be arrested on the spot.
The students, concerned for their safety, are arming themselves for protection with screwdrivers and other weapons, Chinese Cultural Society of Tasmania spokesman Jason Xu said yesterday.
But Inspector Glen Woolley, officer in charge of Hobart, warned students against the practice.
"If we find they are carrying knives or other weapons then they will be charged," he said.
"And that could impact on their visas and their studies.
"We don't want people to become vigilantes and take the law into their own hands."
The calls come as new international students attended an information session at Hobart Town Hall yesterday hosted by the Chinese Cultural Society of Tasmania.
Society spokesman Mr Xu said an estimated 90 per cent of international students were insulted at some stage during their studies and possibly up to 30 per cent physically assaulted.
But Insp Woolley said Hobart's streets were no less safe than anywhere else in the world, adding police had only had 20 recorded incidents in the past year including physical or verbal assaults, or other crimes against international students.
"It doesn't matter if you are in Tasmania or in Bangkok - the situation is still the same," Insp Woolley said. "When you do go to an area and you feel threatened, get out of there quickly, use your initiative."
Mr Xu said students were being advised to go to the pub with friends, but to avoid traditional university nights such as Wednesday and Saturday.
He acknowledged it was a shame international university students were maybe not having the same experience as domestic students.
"The cultural divide is getting bigger and bigger, which is a very bad cycle."
Deputy mayor Ron Christie said with 160 high-definition CCTV cameras in the city the streets were safer than ever before.
matthew.smith@news.com.au
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