South Wales Police and volunteers took home 700 individuals last month who felt unsafe at night in the city.
POLICE say they have seen an increase in the number of people using their Cardiff ‘safety buses’ following a rise in the number of reports of drinks being spiked around the UK.
Following nearly 200 reports of drink spiking and 24 reports of unsolicited injection across the UK last month, some individuals feel nervous when walking around the city centre in the dark.
Locals say the recent headlines over drink spiking claims have made them extra cautious.
Rebs Fisher-Jackson, 24, a local resident, said she is frightened by recent spiking stories shared online but also feels unsafe walking home alone in the dark.
She said: “Often I’m working until quite late and the thought of walking back is terrifying, even though it’d only be about 20 minutes. Spiking stories are also really scary but it’s not a bad thing that they’re shared as it’s the reality of what’s going on.
“I’ve been spiked twice in Cardiff over the past few years and last month two people I know were spiked on a night at a karaoke bar, which was terrifying. Seeing photos of people being injected in clubs has heightened my own fear and some clubs’ reactions have also doubled that as some really don’t seem to care.”
It is because of elevated fears such as these that South Wales Police want to raise awareness of their safety bus campaign.
As part of the campaign, two buses run through Cardiff on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30pm to 4.30am.
Community Safety Student Liaison Officer, Police Constable Mike Neate, explained that the buses take home roughly 20 people per night but also provide advice, water and phone chargers if needed.
He said: “Reports of drink spiking have definitely had some part to play with more people using our buses, but other factors contribute. Vulnerability comes from a wide range of reasons, not just intoxication. People come to Cardiff from all over the world. Maybe someone is lost and not sure what to do, or had a falling out with their friendship group. They might not need an ambulance but there’s always a grey area in the middle.”
PC Neate said that each bus has one police officer and two volunteers who are equipped with first-aid kits and trained on how to deal with difficult situations. Each night, the buses drive around Cathays and the city centre responding to help requests. In between calls, they patrol the areas.
“It works as a partnership with local businesses. If you’re in a night-time economy venue and need support, speak to the door staff, bar staff or a passing police officer. The safety bus can be called by number or by radio,” he said.
Despite the growing demand for safety buses, some residents are hesitant to use these services based on personal distrust in the police.
One local resident, 36, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, claimed to have had a bad experience with police in Cardiff after a Christmas do a few years ago.
They claimed they were threatened with arrest after asking the police to help two vulnerable friends home on a night out, but the officers refused.
“I was really shaken up by this, I’ve never had a brush with the law. My worry is that as soon as the police see that you have had a drink they just label you a problem, even if you’re acting reasonably. I’d worry if I was on the bus and other people started a fight, or even if someone picked a fight with me, they’d just arrest everyone involved,” they said.
PC Neate acknowledged that there is sometimes a trust barrier between the public and police, but this is something he is passionate about changing.
He said: “I understand where people are coming from. Though, here in Cardiff, we have a long tradition of working with the public. The scheme started 10 years ago. It’s part of my job, looking at positive proactive crime prevention. And working with volunteers – rightfully or wrongfully- they are not looked at the same as police which helps to break down barriers. We try our best.”
He added: “I think around 20% of the city are students and about 90% of the volunteers are students too. But, our scheme has never turned anyone away – student or not.”
Next February, the safety bus scheme is hoping to recruit more volunteers after receiving fewer applications than they expected this year.
“Pre-Covid we had 110 volunteers and now we probably have half of that. We’re re-opening recruitment in February and will advertise this in the run-up. We understand volunteers may have their studies to do and jobs too. The hours they put in are incredible,” he said.
To contact South Wales Police:
Report it via https://bit.ly/SWPReportOnline
Email: SWP101@south-wales.police.uk
Dial 101 or 999 in an emergency.
