Kent Police welcomes students in Freshers' Week

Police have been welcoming new students to Kent with advice on how to enjoy their time studying in the county safely.

More than 40,000 students come to Canterbury and Medway from the week beginning Monday 16 September as the new academic year begins.

Officers have been attending Freshers' Week fairs and popular student venues this week to welcome them to the county.

Advice

Panic alarms and drink toppers have been given out, along with advice on how to stay safe while socialising and the best routes back to university accommodation.

Extra officers will be in place in the centre of both Canterbury and Rochester every evening of Freshers Week, and over the weekend, to ensure events are safely enjoyed.

The events coincide with Anti-Spiking Intensification Week, a national week of action to raise awareness of and reduce incidents of drink and needle spiking.

As part of this, Kent Police has included work with bar and door staff, as well as students, on how to avoid risks with drinks and report concerns.

Keeping safe

On one day alone, more than 150 students in Canterbury signed up to My Community Voice, a messaging service that helps Kent and Medway residents keep in touch with their local policing teams.

Chief Superintendent Shaun White said: 'We want students coming to the county this week to have a happy and safe time during their years studying.  'Our officers have therefore been carrying out high-visibility patrols and visiting popular venues to hear any concerns and offer the benefit of our experience.  'Plain clothes officers are also operating with uniformed police to challenge anyone seen acting suspiciously and work with partner agencies to keep everyone safe.'