Do You Feel Safe In The Dark?

As the nights draw in and we now have to watch Pointless in the dark, Screen Editor Megan Furborough tells you not to worry too much about the recent crimes in Exeter as if you’re sensible, it’s still safe to walk the streets at night.

In light of the recent stabbing on Sidwell Street and rumours of a flasher on Pennsylvania Road, talk of student safety in Exeter is on everyone’s lips again. Whilst these incidents are worrying, particularly because of their serious nature, I strongly feel that they are largely isolated. Exeter, on the whole, is a safe city to live in – much, much more so than the West London town I come from.

“I have never felt at risk when walking around Exeter, even if it’s at night and I’m by myself.”
Photo Credit: katiecooperx via Compfight cc

I have never felt at risk when walking around Exeter, even if it’s at night and I’m by myself. The nature of my role at Exeposé and as a member of the University’s canoe club means that there are often times when I am running across town to get to the office or to pool sessions and socials – and the ever-earlier nights mean that anything that happens in the winter evenings guarantees a walk in the dark.

Obviously there are times when you are more vulnerable – namely when you’re drunk and wandering back from town to the far-flung reaches of Mount Pleasant. Whilst it is always better to walk back in a group, if I do walk back by myself I always make sure I tell someone when I leave and text my housemates to tell them that I’m coming home. More than anything, I just tend to keep my wits about me and try to be sensible; including keeping my phone in my bag away from sight and walking with purpose (which, seeing as I tend to stride everywhere anyway, is pretty easy!).

Pretending that crimes couldn’t possibly happen in a city in Devon is silly, but agonising over the possibility of what could happen won’t do any favours for your confidence either.  A benefit of the size of Exeter means that you’re never really more than 20 minutes away from your destination and you probably know someone on every street – so try not to worry!

Megan Furborough

Do you feel safe when walking the streets of Exeter at night? Is the fear of crime larger than the likelyhood of it actually happening? Leave a comment below or write to the Comment team at the Exeposé Comment Facebook Group or on Twitter @CommentExepose.

Spate of attacks intensifies concerns over safety

Photo credits to Joshua Irwandi

Concerns for student safety have been raised after a series of muggings and assaults on students in Exeter.

Between 10 October and 20 October, a total of six students were mugged and physically assaulted in residential areas close to the city centre.

One robber was wielding a knife, although it was not used to attack the student, while one lone male was attacked by a gang of robbers on Queen Street.

Three incidents were reported on York Road, an area close to the City Centre, and a major thoroughfare for students. Another attack was reported nearby on St James Road, while a fifth attack occurred metres from the Co-Operative shop on Pennsylvania Road in the early hours of the morning – a well-lit area usually known for its heavy foot traffic during both day and night.

Another incident occurred on the 10 October on Queen Street at 00:45, when a gang of males robbed a lone male who was waiting for a lift from Exeter Central train station.

All of the attacks happened between the times of 22:30 – 05:30.

In all cases, thieves barged into their victims from behind, stealing handbags, mobiles, purses and other valuables, and leaving some with physical injuries.

All incidents involved lone males and females walking through residential areas in the early hours of the morning.

The news follows just one month after a female was sexually assaulted on King William Street, metres from the busy High Street.

The recent spate of attacks has prompted concerns from the Students’ Guild and the local police. Grace Hopper, VP Welfare and Community, said: “It is horrible that students have been victims of such crimes.

“My advice would be to never walk home at night, stick to main roads and always make sure your valuables are never on show to opportunists.”

Photo credits to Joshua Irwandi

Sarah Bloor, the University Police Community Support Officer (PCSO), said: “Robbery is more likely to take place in quiet or dark areas, and I would like to advise against anyone walking home alone in the hours of darkness.

“Whenever possible, stick to well-lit, busy areas where you can clearly see other people.

“Think about carrying a personal alarm with you, which can be used to disorientate and shock an attacker.

“Carrying a mobile phone is a good idea in case of emergencies, but keep it concealed, and only use it when you have to.

“If you have a shoulder bag, wear it across your shoulders to lower the risk of it being snatched.”

A University spokesperson said: “Traditionally Exeter has had an extremely low crime rate.

“The Estate Patrol provide support and assistance 24 hours a day and would encourage students to contact them if they feel intimidated.

“If anyone feels they are in immediate danger please call the police in the first instance.

“We would always advise students to use well-lit areas when walking at night and try to avoid walking alone.”

Students have expressed concern at the increase of attacks in areas normally considered ‘safe’, busy and well-lit.

A third-year female student has spoken of her shock when she was mugged near her house on Mount Pleasant in October last year: “I never thought many incidents would take place in a  city like Exeter, but I’ve become much more aware.

“I now make sure I never walk home late at night, and make sure my friends don’t either.”

The attacks have also prompted increased opposition to Devon County Council’s plans to switch off many of Exeter’s street lights at night.

The Students’ Guild has called the plans “reckless”, and has suggested that such measures will seriously affect perceptions of student safety in Exeter.

 

By Tom Payne, Editor