With post secondary students returning to the city in droves for the new school year, London police are gearing up to keep a lid on rowdy behaviour and parties.
Police announced the annual crackdown of nuisance parties, open fires, noise, littering, and public urination in the city will resume on Friday. Project LEARN, which stands for liquor enforcement and reduction of noise, was originally launched in 2007 as a response to community concerns that arise at the start of each school year. It brings an increased police presence in the fall to student populated areas like the downtown and neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College.
The goal behind the proactive policing initiative is to protect public safety and property, while also encouraging students to celebrate responsibly.
"We are encouraging the students to be courteous and respectful as members of the London community,” said London police Staff Sergeant Robert Brown. “We will be sharing safety messages through our social media channels throughout the next few weeks as reminders to community members and students.”
Last year, the four week crackdown saw 15 provincial offence notices, one Reopening Ontario Act charge, and eight by-law notices laid. Two arrests were also made under the Liquor Licence Control Act.
Project LEARN will run until September 24.
