CREDIT: CORELICIOUS.CA
When the sun sets, does London's downtown become a dangerous place?

We often hear how downtown has problems involving students and alcohol — just look at this past summer when Club Rouge owner John Scott-Pearse stated he'd rather eat glass than serve students.

How safe is downtown for students? When I asked around Fanshawe, the opinions I received were varied. "I'm afraid to go downtown," said Rob Burdett, a first-year Journalism student. "I find it's not very safe. I see a lot of bums and crackheads."

On the other hand, some students are more confident. Brent Edwards, who is in the Computer Programmer Analyst program, said, "If I were just to go out downtown drinking, I feel pretty fine."

Which is it? Is downtown London a place where you can feel "pretty fine" or is it a terrifying urban jungle with obstacles and menacing figures at every turn?

Fanshawe College Special Constable and security supervisor Robert Earle shared his thoughts on the issue of safety on and off campus.

Is the night life of downtown London safe for students?
"Yes, I think it (London) is one of the safest cities in the country when it comes to that sort of activity. Because of the university and the college, Londoners are used to having that sort of activity, especially in the more frequented areas such as Richmond. Yes, there are problems, and that happens in a variety of circumstances, but generally speaking I would say London is one of the safest places you can visit."

What are things students can do to stay safe while enjoying a night out in downtown London?
"One of the most important things to remember is that alcohol consumption can have a huge impact on your ability to maintain your own safety. You have to take responsibility of your own safety, because no one is going to do it for you. One of the things you have to consider is that the amount of alcohol you have had can diminish your ability to think clearly and get yourself out of a dangerous situation."

What would be safer for students: drinking downtown or at the bars on campus?
"Generally speaking, most activities are safer on campus because they're more closely monitored. We (campus security) have a really good interaction with staff at the Out Back Shack. They are all very well trained and experienced people who are monitoring people's activities and looking for things that might be dangerous. I think, from that perspective, you are probably safer on campus if you are going out for a night of drinking. Having said that, the same rules apply: you have to monitor your own alcohol consumption so you're not putting yourself at risk."

What advice would you give to students who are new to London?
"I think it's probably best for you to stay at the more popular clubs and bars. The ones along Richmond Street tend to be the most popular among students. Because of this, they tend to be the most familiar with student activities and how to monitor those types of things. They tend to be safer than bars located in more remote locations of the city. Neighbourhood bars are nice once you are familiar with the surroundings and you get to know what's going on. Typically, if you are new to the city, go to those areas more frequented by other people so that there are lots of other people around, and lots of activity."