Students warned about St Patrick's Day antics

Students who climb on top of roofs during tomorrow’s St Patrick's Day celebrations could find themselves in cuffs, Dunedin police say.

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said extra officers had been rostered on, and there would be a police presence in and around North Dunedin for the whole day tomorrow.

Last year’s celebrations were marred by couch fires and two students being badly injured after falling from buildings.

Flats had been encouraged to register their parties with Goodone and police had made contact with occupants to remind them of their responsibilities, Snr Sgt Bond said.

Two parties had been registered so far.

Police had advised flats about the dangers of people getting on roofs and how to prevent it happening.

Officers would be mindful of students putting themselves at risk, and people getting atop buildings could find themselves arrested and referred to the proctor, Snr Sgt Bond said.

Police had also been working with the proctor, campus watch and liquor outlets in the student quarter to ensure the celebrations this year kept students safe.

Large numbers of first years were expected to congregate in the Brackens Lookout area and it was likely to be large numbers of older students would congregate in the vicinities of Castle St and Butts Rd .

Students were encouraged to be responsible with their drinking, Snr Sgt Bond said, and Red Frogs would be in attendance handing out water and lollies.

Police were not specifically aware of any people coming from out of town to join the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, but were aware it was something that could happen, Snr Sgt Bond said.

oscar.francis@odt.co.nz

 

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