City braces for student influx

As tertiary students return to the city to embark on a year of education, Palmerston North police are making their own preparations.

Senior Sergeant Brett Calkin said with Orientation starting at the end of next week, preparations were under way to deal with the student influx.

Students, particularly those coming to Palmerston North for the first time having just turned 18, were among the most likely people to engage in ‘‘risky behaviour’’, like drinking to excess.

There were also more burglaries in student areas, with more computers, iPads and iPods in flats and students less security conscious, he said.

Extra police staff would be on duty in Orientation week, with events organised by the Massey University Students’ Association (Musa) starting on January 22.

Mr Calkin said he believed some Orientation events usually held at the campus would be held in the city centre this year, so they would be monitoring those gatherings.

On March 22, there would be a Combi event, a combined effort involving police, the Fire Service, the ACC, the Palmerston North City Council and Musa, with a barbecue, entertainment, information and prizes in the student area of Morris St and Ada St.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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