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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Locals say the recent headlines over drink spiking claims have made them extra cautious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said: \u201cOften 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI’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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is because of elevated fears such as these that South Wales Police want to raise awareness of their safety bus campaign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As part of the campaign, two buses run through Cardiff on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8.30pm to 4.30am. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said: \u201cReports 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\u2019s always a grey area in the middle.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt works as a partnership with local businesses. If you\u2019re 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n