Peterborough police are investigating several incidents of mischief, theft, and nuisance calls coinciding with Trent University’s homecoming and Head of the Trent Regatta on Saturday night (October 1).
In one incident, a crowd of young people flipped over a private security car on London Street in downtown Peterborough. In another incident, a pedestrian was struck in the area of George Street and King Street and was taken to Peterborough Regional Health Centre for treatment of injuries.
In a media release issued on Sunday, police stated they would be following up on the incidents over the next few days.
On Monday afternoon, police issued a media release indicating they had concluded their investigation into the pedestrian being stuck and determined no charges would be laid in connection with the incident.
Anyone with any information or video evidence to share is asked to call the Peterborough Police Service’s non-emergency line at 705-876-1122. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca
“The Peterborough Police Service would also like to acknowledge that despite the ongoing investigations, the vast majority of the participants in homecoming and the (Head of the Trent Regetta) were peaceful and respectful,” a media release states. “Trent University has expressed that they will assist in the investigation wherever it will be helpful.”
Police say that extra officers were on patrol, including paid duty officers through Trent University, on both Friday and Saturday to help with an anticipated increase in calls for service. In an interview on Tuesday morning with CBC Ontario Morning, a police spokesperson said that up to 500 young people were involved in the gatherings and officers did not intervene out of concerns for safety.
Several videos of the raucous behaviour, including the flipping over of the security car and large crowds of young people partying, were shared on social media.
This video was shared with our newsroom as the ‘Head Of The Trent’ festivities continue around the city pic.twitter.com/e1c8rS5qzf
— PTBOTODAY.ca (@PTBOTODAYca) October 2, 2022
More footage of @TrentUniversity Homecoming weekend activities. @PtboPolice
Also reference to for-profit enterprise: https://t.co/kmGH1sZD1d
They have monetized these antics. Maybe they should pay for property damage. 🤷♀️ https://t.co/F6Gyiq7ZfG pic.twitter.com/g95GlTA7t1
— Tanya (@TanyaFusco) October 3, 2022
On Sunday, Trent University — which had on September 26 prior to the homecoming weekend reminded students of their “collective responsibility to be good neighbours” and advised “behaviour that causes disruption, noise, damage or danger to yourself or others could result in university sanctions or provincial/municipal fines — issued a statement condemning the unsanctioned gatherings and “irresponsible” and “reckless” behaviour.
“We are very disappointed in the behaviour of these groups and individuals and will be working with police and the community to address the situation,” said Trent University president Leo Groarke. “Homecoming and (Head of the Trent Regatta) events were carefully planned and we were clear with students about our expectations before this event. We will be pursuing disciplinary action for any students who were involved.”
The statement says the university and its security team will be working with Peterborough police to identify any students involved in causing damage and harm in the community. Students involved will be followed up with in accordance with the Trent University Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities, “and the outcomes will be in proportion to the level of impact on our community. Student Affairs will work with these individuals to ensure they work to repair harm and rebuild trust.”
This story has been updated with a new photo, a statement from Trent University, and an update from police on their investigation.
