Revellers are being warned not to climb into bogus taxis and potentially put themselves at risk of sex attackers.

A Nightsafe initiative is being launched to raise awareness of the dangers of using unlicensed vehicles and to help people recognise what a licensed vehicle should look like. Saqib Munir of Royal Cars is pictured showing his badge.

The campaign will see posters and flyers distributed throughout the city's pubs and clubs to urge people to think about how they are getting home.

It is being started in conjunction with city taxi associations after recent incidents where women were tricked. In March, a 24-year-old woman left the Zodiac club in Cowley Road and got into a car she believed was a taxi. The driver took her to a country lane near Horspath and made lewd comments before letting her go unharmed.

Last October, a woman was found wandering late at night nine miles from Izi Bar in Witney where she had been drinking.

Det Insp Cess Agger, of Oxford CID, said: "Fortunately, we have had very few incidents concerning rogue unlicensed taxi drivers. It is important people remember to stay safe and that your personal safety should come first.

"Before you go out, arrange how you are getting home, don't get too drunk and lose control, stick with your friends, look after each other and travel home together.

"You should also book a licensed vehicle and get the details from the company of which car it will be and which driver and then only travel in that car. Remember, know what you're getting into and stay safe."

Tony Brett, chairman of the licensing committee at Oxford City Council and a Nightsafe board member, said: "All licensed drivers are issued with an Oxford City Council photo-identity badge which they must display.

"They also undergo regular checks with the DVLA for motoring offences and the Criminal Records Bureau for criminal convictions. No-one should accept a lift from a stranger in an unlicensed vehicle."

The Nightsafe partnership, which includes councils, the police and Oxford City Primary Health Care Trust, was set up to combat binge drinking and alcohol related crime.

Officers will be patrolling the city centre tonightwed, issuing flyers to revellers and conducting a survey into their travel plans and knowledge of licensed vehicles.

Mohammad Amir Siyaf, assistant manager of Cowley Road-based Royal Cars, said: "All our 140 drivers are licensed with the city council. We are fully aware of the importance of making sure our customers feel safe."