Police issue O week advice, and a warning
Students are flooding back into Hamilton as tertiary institutions start the year, and police have some advice to help with the celebrations.
“Look after each other this O week” is the message from Inspector Andrea McBeth, Area Commander for Hamilton City. Police want students to have fun but be safe this Orientation Week, and they want parents and caregivers to take note as well.
“We love the energy that comes when we welcome students into the city during O-week. We know that when you’re meeting a whole bunch of new, exciting people and going to parties it can be easy to get swept up in the moment.” Without planning things can come unstuck.
Police say not to leave your mates in situations where they could become isolated and unsafe, have a plan and ensure that your new flatmates are on the same page. Remember to lock and secure your flat and your vehicle and secure your belongings.
If you are planning on drinking while partying, then Police have this advice;
• Look after your friends and stick together. If you plan to walk, go in pairs or groups, either way, have a plan for getting home safely at the end of your night.
• Have cash, EftPos card or phone app to pay for transport home or arrange a trusted sober driver to collect you.
• Have a place to meet up with your friends if you get separated during the night.
• Have something substantial to eat before you head out to party.
• Have a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged.
• Never leave your drink unattended or accept any drinks that you haven’t personally seen poured, especially from strangers.
• Challenge any inappropriate comments or actions from anyone and report them to bar staff, or police if necessary.
Police say we all have a responsibility to ensure our friends and loved ones are safe and want people to report any concerns.
Police also has a message for those who seek to take advantage of vulnerable or intoxicated people “do not do this. Do not allow your mates to do this either. Sexual assault is unacceptable. It is never the victim’s fault and should not be tolerated in any situation. Police take sexual assault extremely seriously.”
Police have said they will respond to and investigate every incident reported to them
What to do if you see something?
Call 111 in an emergency if something is happening right now, illegal or suspicious.
If it’s already happened you can provide information via the Police non-emergency number – call 105 or go online at 105.police.govt.nz Waea atu ki 111 me he ohotata, e tū ana rānei tētahi mea taihara, hihira rānei i taua wā tonu.
Mēnā kua pahawa kē, me tuku taipitopito mā te nama ohotata-kore a Ngā Pirihimana – waea atu ki 105, toro ki te ipurangi ki 105.police.govt.nz rānei
