NEIGHBOURHOOD policing teams are working alongside university welfare staff and street marshals to carry out patrols in popular nightlife spots during freshers’ welcome weeks. Their aim: to make sure thousands of new and returning students feel safe while out and about in the evenings.

“Devon and Cornwall are great places to study and to have fun,” said Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew. “If it’s your first time away from home to live independently, it’s also one of the safest parts of the country to live.

“Nevertheless, when you are out in the evenings, try to stick with your friends, look out for one another and have a plan for getting home safely, including using well-lit routes where possible.

“Only use licensed taxis, and check for night bus services, which run on Saturday nights across the region, before you go out.”

“If you see or experience something that doesn’t seem right, we urge people to inform venue staff or a police officer or street marshal. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. By reporting behaviours of concern, more serious crimes can be prevented.”

Regarding violence against women and girls, Devon & Cornwall Police urges anyone in an uncomfortable situation to inform venue staff or contact the police. This includes incidents of predatory behaviour such as verbal harassment, unwanted physical contact and sending unwanted messages or images.

Confirmed incidents of spiking are rare, but ACC Mayhew said: “Always keep an eye on your drink; don’t take drinks from strangers or pick up drinks that appear to have been abandoned; and be cautious of vapes offered by someone you don’t know.

“When incidents do occur, we take reports seriously and work with partners to identify those responsible and support those affected. Anyone who thinks they may have been spiked should tell a trusted friend, or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible. Once safe, we encourage people to report suspected cases of spiking online or by calling 101.”

ACC Mayhew also reminded people of the rules around e-bikes and e-scooters. Privately-owned e-scooters can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission; they must not be ridden on public spaces like roads, cycle paths or parks, or on pavements. “Students who have one may wish to send it home, as police can seize and destroy illegally ridden e-scooters.”

Electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs) are legal to ride on the road and cycle paths, but if they have a throttle or pedals which aren’t used to propel them, they will almost certainly be classed as an e-motorbike and must be taxed and registered, and ridden only with a valid licence, insurance and motorcycle helmet.

A Falmouth University spokesperson said: “Falmouth is the fourth safest place to go to university in the country. From day one students are supported with an assigned mentor and have access to specialist support, including a range of sector-leading mental health initiatives. We also work with partners including Devon and Cornwall Police to keep students safe on campus and beyond."