The school year appears to be off to a rocky start with London police arresting seven people at large parties near Fanshawe College earlier this week.
Police were called to several unsanctioned gatherings on Thurman Circle between Sunday night and Monday morning. Officers arrested six people for public intoxication and a woman who was charged with assaulting police, uttering threats, and resisting arrest.
The arrests came just days before police were set to step up patrols in student neighbourhoods and the downtown through their annual Project LEARN (Liquor Enforcement and Reduction of Noise) campaign. It officially kicks off on Thursday.
"There will be a balanced approach with enforcement of by-laws and warnings relating to parties, parking, open fires, noise, litter, and public urination," police said in a news release issued Wednesday.
The call for post-secondary students to party responsibly is being echoed by Western University's Student Council and Fanshawe's Student Union.
Project LEARN runs until October 1.