Oxford's two universities have joined police in condemning drunken students who may have deliberately vandalised property to get fined in a bizarre initiation stunt.

The condemnation comes after Oxford police commander Supt Jim Trotman said he believed freshers were actually trying to get £80 on-the-spot fines Three students from Oxford Brookes were arrested on Thursday for damaging cars in Cheney Lane, Headington. They were held overnight and cautioned.

An Oxford University student was arrested the same night for damaging a till at the Park End Club. He was released on bail.

Mr Trotman warned students that any craze would not be allowed to develop.

Yesterday, both universities said they would not tolerate unruly antisocial behaviour from students.

Oxford Brookes' deputy vice-chancellor Rex Knight said: "If students from Oxford Brookes commit a criminal offence off-campus, then they could face a double penalty, firstly from the police and then further disciplinary action from the university, because they have broken the student conduct regulations.

"The vast majority of students are here to work hard, but we will always work closely with the police to tackle individual reports of antisocial behaviour."

An Oxford University spokesman added: "Loutish behaviour and criminal damage cannot be tolerated and students need to be aware that they face fines or charges for their actions. We take such irresponsible behaviour very seriously and would encourage students to act in a responsible manner."