Police Safety Advice for Students During Freshers’ Week

During Freshers’ week, officers from Northamptonshire Police will be speaking with new and returning students to offer advice about personal safety, theft, burglary, and cybercrime.

The University of Northampton has a dedicated policing team who will be out and about in the Beat Bus attending various Freshers’ events, giving out crime prevention information, spiking advice, and details of how to get help and support.

Police Sergeant Jamie Longrigg said: “Northampton is a great place to live, study and have fun, and the University Policing Team are looking forward to welcoming new and returning students to the campus.

“Officers will be actively engaging with students during Freshers’, giving information and advice about how to keep themselves and their possessions safe on and off campus, how to report concerns and where to seek help.

“We will also be focusing on advising students on how to enjoy a safe night out. In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need to share this advice, but sadly there are those who look to take advantage of people on a night out”.

There will be increased police patrols across the night-time economy during Freshers’ week. Officers will be actively looking for suspicious activity, particularly targeting high footfall areas and crime hotspots to ensure everyone continues to be safe and can enjoy themselves in Northampton’s bustling night life.

Operation Kayak is a proactive policing initiative that aims to keep people safe on weekend nights out, and will be active during Freshers’ week.

Detective Inspector Becky Simmons explained, “Operation Kayak is very effective at reducing offending behaviour and safeguarding the vulnerable on nights out. Our team of officers will be a visible presence in Northampton during Freshers’.

“Officers actively challenge inappropriate behaviours, look out for individuals who are being sexually aggressive, or intimidating, or whose behaviour causes concern. They will also check the wellbeing of those who are vulnerable, and assist them where necessary to get support.”

Op Kayak officers work closely with pubs and clubs and with door staff, so that patrons remain safe, and any concerning behaviours can be quickly flagged and dealt with. The team also liaise with the street pastors, Northampton Guardians, and volunteers who work on the Safer Nights Out Van (SNO van), to ensure the vulnerable are looked after and safeguarded.

The SNO van is a customised minibus staffed by vetted volunteers in the centre of Northampton between 10pm and 5am every Friday and Saturday and will be in the Town Centre during Freshers’ week.

Detective Inspector Becky Simmonds said: "We’re aware that some students may be concerned about spiking. Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. It can happen to anyone. We know it can be scary to report being spiked, but the police are here to help you. We will listen to you and take you seriously.

"It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please don’t let this stop you reporting spiking. Call 999 or 101 to report it to the police. We need to know about every possible spiking so we can investigate, even if no other crime has taken place.

"If you are out in a bar or club, you can report to a member of staff, who will be able to help and support you.

"If you are injured or have symptoms you are worried about after being spiked, call 111. If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support."

"If you’ve been affected by crime and you need confidential support or information, please visit our website for support organisations.”

If you are a new or current student, here are some tips for a safer night out

• Be aware of what and how much you are drinking – your tolerance for alcohol varies according to a range of factors.
• Always look after your drinks. Don’t leave them unattended, don’t take drinks from strangers or pick up drinks at random – you have no way of knowing what’s in them.
• Stick with your friends – keep an eye on each other and have a plan for getting home safely.
• If you have any concerns about someone’s behaviour or wellbeing, report it immediately to venue staff or to police.
• Find more advice here