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UCA Rochester campus increase security patrols following reports of stalking

Female students have reported being stalked by groups of men on their campus.

Police patrols have been stepped up at The University of Creative Arts' (UCA) in Rochester and the institute has also implemented more security measures after it received an increase in reported incidents over the past month.

Police patrols have been increased in the area
Police patrols have been increased in the area

One person said women based in Fort Pitt Hill had been stalked and in some cases attacked near the campus.

They say there have been more than six incidents of indecent exposure, stalking, and physical assaults during the past four weeks.

But Kent Police says it has no evidence of the claims.

A post on Facebook read: "As women we feel unsafe enough in this world without having to worry about our safety just trying to attend our education.

"There is a safety issue happening now and it is only escalating.

University for the Creative Arts in Rochester
University for the Creative Arts in Rochester

"Soon we are worried something worse will happen."

A spokesman for the University said: "UCA has been in discussion with local police about what more can be done to protect our community and the police have increased patrols in the immediate area and have alerted their team to monitor this issue closely.

"The University is also increasing security on its Rochester campus.

"This visible security presence is undertaking regular patrols of UCA's campus grounds and is a safe point of contact for students and staff.

"UCA takes the safety of its community very seriously and is listening to the concerns raised by students and staff.

"We are urging UCA students who has seen anything of concern or need support to contact the University's Gateway team.

"It is vital that everyone in the local community reports incidents to the police, so that they are aware and continue to be alert to this issue."

The post claimed students from Fort Pitt Grammar School for Girls, which is next door to the University, had also been affected – but the school hasn't received any reports.

It does however have staff on duty before and after the school day, both on site and patrolling the local area.

Police say an attack on a woman in Delce Road, Rochester, on Monday is unconnected to these concerns.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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