Police have launched a campaign to protect lone St Andrews University undergraduates late at night.
Police are stepping up their patrols of key routes used by students late at night. They are also ensuring all street lighting is in working order in a bid to eliminate potentially dangerous ”blind spots”.
Details of the new Safer Routes initiative were explained by North East Fife Chief Inspector John McDonald. He said it would help to tackle the ”perceived vulnerability” of young students walking in certain areas of St Andrews.
In March, a major inquiry was launched when a female student was attacked in the early hours of a Saturday morning. She had been walking back to her flat in Kennedy Gardens when her assailant struck.
”As a result of concerns, the Safer Routes initiative was created,” Mr McDonald said in a report prepared for Fife councillors. ”This identifies the areas where people felt most vulnerable and crime prevention surveys were carried out.
”Items of work to improve the areas, such as ensuring all street lighting is operating correctly, have been carried out.”
Those out and about in St Andrews late at night can also expect to see more bobbies on the beat.
”A patrol matrix of these routes and vulnerable times has been created,” Mr McDonald added. ”Police officers now regularly patrol these routes on foot at the appropriate times.”
The town’s pub owners are also being urged to do their bit by looking out for any students who may be struggling to get home safely.
”Liaison is currently ongoing with many of the town centre licensees to request that door stewarding staff observe all persons leaving their premises and ensure that everyone appears to be able to get home safely,” Mr McDonald said.