There were increased police patrols during Exeter University’s Freshers’ Week this year.
Devon police stepped up patrols to support students as they returned for the new term, helping them feel safer and raising awareness of the risks that can come with night outs.
Freshers’ Week is often the busiest and most unpredictable time of the academic year. With many students out drinking almost every night, extra police presence was deployed not just for increased security, but to educate young people about how to look after themselves.
Alongside increased extra police presence, a group of street pastors were out educating students on spiking and handing out anti-spiking bottle caps.
Sector inspector Nathan Johnson told the BBC that as a parent of a uni student, he would like his daughter to be able to “dress how she wants, do what she wants but feel safe”.
Nathan added: “The city centre is covered with CCTV that’s monitored.
“We’ve got safer routes for people to walk back to university halls and on lampposts there are signs that they can ring a number and the CCTV will look at them.”
Am Exeter student told the BBC she felt “reassured” after speaking to the police. She also said she understood how to seek support if she felt unsafe.
Another student commended the safety measures in and around Exeter University’s campus: “Our accommodation at East Park has campus security there really late, and they have like green pathways back that have cameras on them so I feel really safe after a night out.”
Nathan further explained that if students felt unsafe, they should find the nearest shop or venue and ask staff to contact the police, or, if they find themselves in immediate danger, they should dial 999.
Students can also dial 101 for non-emergency police support.
On the Exeter campus, Estate Patrol is available 24 hours a day for both routine and emergency support.
On Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays during term time you can get the Night Bus service to get home safely.
Or if walking alone at night on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, call Strut Safe for company and reassurance.
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Featured image via Unsplash
