Kent Police have been actively engaging with new students arriving in Canterbury and Medway, offering advice on how to enjoy their time in the county safely as the new academic year begins. More than 40,000 students have arrived from the week beginning Monday, 16 September, as universities open their doors for the new term.

Officers have been attending Freshers’ Week fairs and student venues to welcome the new arrivals. They have distributed panic alarms, drink toppers, and shared advice on staying safe while socialising, including the safest routes back to university accommodation.

Extra officers will be patrolling in the centres of Canterbury and Rochester throughout Freshers’ Week, including the weekend, to ensure students can enjoy events safely.

The initiatives coincide with Anti-Spiking Intensification Week, a national campaign to raise awareness and reduce incidents of drink and needle spiking. Kent Police have worked closely with bar and door staff, as well as students, to educate them on how to avoid spiking risks and how to report concerns.

In Canterbury, over 150 students have signed up for My Community Voice, a messaging service designed to keep Kent and Medway residents informed about local policing updates.

Chief Superintendent Shaun White said, “We want students to have a happy and safe time during their years of study. Our officers have been conducting high-visibility patrols and visiting popular venues to hear concerns and offer our experience. Plain clothes officers are also operating alongside uniformed police to challenge any suspicious behaviour and work with partner agencies to ensure everyone’s safety.