As post-secondary students return to the classrooms this week, police will be cracking down on bad behaviour in London's popular party areas and in neighbourhoods around the city's university and college.
The London Police Service said its Community Oriented Response Unit is launching this year's Project LEARN (Liquor Enforcement and Reduction of Noise) on Sunday, in an effort to protect public safety and property. There will be an added police presence around Fanshawe College and Western University and the city's downtown area, and increased enforcement of bylaws related to parties, parking, open fires, noise, litter, and public urination in the city.
Both Western and Fanshawe have garnered bad publicity in the past from street parties getting out of hand. In particular, a five-hour-long riot broke out on Fleming Drive on St. Patrick's Day in 2012 near Fanshawe College. A number of objects were set on fire in the street and police and firefighters were attacked as they arrived at the scene.
"With students celebrating the return to school and renewing friendships, we want to remind students that it is OK to have fun but they should also remain safe," said Julia Brown, Fanshawe College Student Union finance coordinator and acting president. "If you are hosting or going to a party, or celebrating a night on the town, we ask students to be respectful."
More recently, Western's “fake homecoming,” also known as FoCo, saw an estimated 20,000 party-goers flock to Broughdale Avenue on September 29, 2018. The illegal street party resulted in over 100 charges being laid and thousands of dollars in policing costs.
“Western is committed to strengthening relationships between our students and the local community. The University supports Project LEARN knowing that it can serve to educate students about what it means to be a good community member - fostering a sense of mutual respect with neighbours,” said Alan Shepard, president and vice-chancellor of Western University.
Last year, Project LEARN resulted in 36 provincial offence notices, 313 warnings, and nine Criminal Code of Canada charges. The police initiative was first launched in 2007.