Police warn party-goers about noise and liquor-related offences

London police officers are visiting downtown and student neighbourhoods to talk to people about liquor enforcement and noise reduction before the school year picks up.

Project LEARN focuses on protecting public safety and property andpromotes responsible partying. It launches Thursday with some events taking place Wednesday.

"You're going to see an increased police presence downtown as well as in neighbourhoods around Western University and Fanshawe College," said Const. Sandasha Bough.

More specifically, police will increase enforcement of bylaws related to parties, parking, open fires, litter and public orientation.

"We just want to give them the heads up because there are a lot of students who aren't from the London area who might not know about what's going on and also to remind them of the hefty fines," said Bough, noting that fines could be anywhere between $500 and $10,000.

Police said the project isn't exclusive to student residences.

Student leaders speak up

Both post-secondary institutions' student leaders areurging fellow students to be respectful of their neighbours.

Just this week, police had to break up a party of about 500 on Thurman Circle near Fanshawe College. Some students were throwing bottles and one bottle even struck a police cruiser, damaging its windshield.

A few days before that incident, police warned the publicafter seven people were charged in an attempted robbery near the college.

"With the excitement of being back in school, and the celebrations that many students will be joining in on, we want to remind students to stay safe and have fun," said Jahmoyia Smith, college student union president, in a statement.

"Over the years, the University's Student Council has worked with London Police Service to ensure students have fun responsibly and respect our shared community" said Danny Chang, student body Vice President at Western University.

The project launched in 2007. Last year, the blitz resulted in 152provincial charges being laid.