Large increase in charges as police blitz universities, college

ALONG WITH A BACK-TOSCHOOL safety blitz, Waterloo Regional Police have stepped up their presence around the region’s university and college campuses in what’s been dubbed Project Safe Semester.

The month-long program, which promotes the safety and well-being of post-secondary students, includes a door knocker event in the neighbourhoods surrounding the universities. This event is done in collaboration with Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Waterloo campus police, Conestoga College, City of Waterloo bylaw and fire departments.

As of September 8, a total of 335 charges have been laid. In the first week, a total of 115 charges were laid, representing a 69 per cent increase over the same time period in 2017. This included charges laid under the Liquor Licence Act (22), Highway Traffic Act (79), Trespass to Property Act (3), bylaw (1), other (8), drugs (1) and criminal (1).

During the second week of Project Safe Semester, a total of 219 charges were laid under the Liquor Licence Act (128), Highway Traffic Act (81), bylaw (5), other (2) and criminal (3). These numbers represent a 162 per cent increase in charges laid over the same time period in 2017.

“We have enhanced our police visibility and enforcement in the universities and college areas to not only discourage unlawful behaviour, but to encourage safe and respectable behaviour. We want students to have an enjoyable time, but one that doesn’t cause harm to themselves or others around them,” said Chief Bryan Larkin in a release.