Crime prevention tip of the week

With the warming weather, here are some things to keep in mind.

• Drinking alcohol in public can get expensive.

• You can drink legally in Ontario when you are 19.

• If you are in residence there are some rules over and above the Liquor Licence Act of Ontario you need to follow. Things like the volume of alcohol you can have, the type of container the alcohol is in, no glass and where you are when you drink. For example, if you are in Kestrel Court, you must be inside a unit to have open alcohol, not on the front or back porch.

• You cannot walk down the sidewalk of any street or anywhere on campus drinking alcohol. Nor can you walk around drunk in a public place. The decision regarding whether or not you are drunk will be made by the police officer who is dealing with you and arguing will not help you. The fines from either the Student Code of Conduct or the Provincial Offences Act are money better spent on other things such as food.

• For those living off campus in houses please remember that if your windows and doors are open, the noise carries and can be disturbing to others who may call the police. When they show up, everything going on can be investigated. That would include selling alcohol, providing alcohol to minors, drugs in plain sight and of course noise, which can grow into mischief under the Criminal Code for denying someone the lawful enjoyment of their property. To avoid a noise complaint step out of your place every now and again and listen. If you can hear the music or party, turn it down or close some windows and doors.

• Opening the garage to party there is not a bad idea, but remember the open garage becomes an echo chamber sharing your conversations and music with the world.

• If someone from your party leaves and dumps some garbage please clean up after them. It will help your neighbours forgive and forget if you clean up after the party.

• With St. Patrick’s Day on Friday have fun but party smart and remember that if you intend to spend time with a special someone, there needs to be sober informed consent for everyone’s protection.

If you have questions about this or any other crime prevention concerns please feel free to contact Steve Hartwick with Campus Security Services either by phone at 519-452-4430 ext. 4929 or e-mail at shartwick@fanshawec.ca.