Published on 02 November 2018
Police at the University of Sunderland are working to ensure students’ hangovers do not linger long into the winter.
As part of Operation Inclusion, officers from the University have visited halls of residences and drinking hotspots to reinforce crime prevention and safety advice to students.
‘Drink spikeys’ have been placed in bars across the campus to promote safer drinking.
PC Dan McGwinn, who is leading the operation, said: “It has been great to speak to the latest influx of students who seem to be sampling the best of what Sunderland has to offer.
“This is a vibrant city which has so much to enjoy and embrace - from the great range of shops to the beautiful seafront and fantastic bars to eat and drink in.
“While many of our officers attended the fresher’s fayre and on-campus events to remind students about responsible drinking and how to protect their homes from opportunistic burglars, it is important that these messages are repeated and reiterated at every opportunity.
“That’s why a great deal of work has gone in over the last few weeks to ensure students remain safe while both out in the city centre and at home.
“We have visited the bars across campus and have made brightly coloured anti-drink spiking stoppers readily available which seal bottles and prevent drugs or illicit substances from being slipped into them.”
Officers have also delivered crime prevention talks to University groups.
The university’s Student Campus Watch society, supported by police, has also been invigorated with the collective goal of making staff and students safer.
A spokesperson for the University of Sunderland said: “We work closely with our police partners to ensure the safety of all our students.
“We also provide a 24/7 security service that includes a comprehensive CCTV network covering the entirety of both University campuses and all University accommodation. This is monitored by our security control room 365 days of the year.
“The University also has a full-time campus Police Officer who works closely with all members of the University community. Criminal incidents on our sites are rare and tend to be opportunistic, meaning they can often be prevented through common sense measures.
“University Security and the Campus Police are always happy to give advice and guidance to both students and staff.”