New students in Hatfield were given crime prevention advice by police at the University of Hertfordshire’s Freshers Fair.
The constabulary’s University Policing Team attended the fair on Friday, September 29 as part of their work to promote student safety.
The event gave officers a chance to meet and introduce themselves to the new students and share useful crime prevention tips.
The University Policing Team has been working as a successful partnership with the Hatfield-based university for over 10 years.
The team, made up of a PC and two PCSOs, regularly patrol the campuses and attend and host many events throughout the year where students can report any concerns and gain advice.
At the Freshers Fair, the team were also joined by colleagues from the British Transport Police.
A wide variety of safety topics were covered including tips on how to stay safe on nights out, as part of Hertfordshire Constabulary’s continued efforts to tackle violence against women and girls.
Among the many freebies on offer, students were offered anti-spiking covers. These colourful covers fit inside drink bottles to prevent them from being spiked and the team take them to events throughout the year to hand out.
Throughout Freshers Week, the team had also been sharing daily crime prevention advice on their Twitter account. Their activities across the campuses were also shared on the new Herts Police Tik Tok account.
In addition to the Freshers Fair, the team also attended the Welcome Fair for international students on Friday, September 22. The officers answered questions from the students and explained how to contact the police in the UK.
PC Sarah Sherlock, who leads the University Policing Team, said: “Attending the Welcome Fair and meeting the new students is always a highlight in our calendar.
"This year was no different – there was a brilliant atmosphere and students were keen to stop by and hear about how we are there to help them.
The university is a safe place and we’ll carry on throughout the year ensuring it stays that way. I’d like to wish the students a brilliant year ahead. Please remember we are always here if you need us.”
Once again this year, officers have also joined up with the university and Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council on Op Balsam – a series of extended noise patrols at key points throughout the year.
The aim is to help foster good relations between students and local residents, and to help prevent any neighbourhood noise disputes.
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University of Hertfordshire Dean of Students, Geri Ward, said: “Freshers Fair is an exciting time for our students that is not only about having a fun introduction to university life, but also about equipping them with the information and tools required to have the most successful and positive experience possible while at Herts.
"This includes learning about the support services provided by our dedicated University Policing Team, who work around the clock, on campus and across the local area, to keep our community safe.
The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff will always be our utmost priority, and we are proud to work so closely with our colleagues at Hertfordshire Constabulary to give students the confidence to report any concerns and provide the latest advice on how to reduce risks, stay safe and most importantly, have the best time at university.”
You can follow the University Policing Team on social media:
- Instagram: @HertsuniPolice at instagram.com/hertsunipolice
- Twitter: @HertsUniPolice at twitter.com/hertsunipolice
- TikTok: @HertsPolice at www.tiktok.com/@hertspolice
For student safety advice, visit the team’s page on the Hertfordshire Constabulary website at herts.police.uk/student.
As part of Op Balsam, residents can report concerns about noise and anti-social behaviour to the police on 101 or to the council on 01707 357000.
Officers from the Welwyn Hatfield Safer Neighbourhood Team also paid a visit to residents at Greenacres care home in Hatfield.
On Thursday, September 28, PCSOs Shannon Payne and Emma Carson attended the coffee morning to give residents a chance to speak about any concerns and gain crime prevention advice.
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