Bradford College

Students Campaign to Stay Safe After Dark…

Bradford College Students’ Union and West Yorkshire Police have joined forces to hold a ‘Dark Nights Roadshow’ at Bradford’ College. The week long campaign has been created in a bid to raise awareness on staying safe during the darker nights – making a valuable contribution to city centre safety.

Working together with the Students’ Union, the event saw police talking to students about the issues affecting people after dark. Community Engagement Field Officer Susan Whitmore, PCSO Michael Wright and PCSO Garath Littlewood offered advice, guidance and information on the latest safety initiative and issued free safety packs.

Tips for staying safe after dark included:

• Avoiding openly using an MP3, camera or mobile phone when walking after dark, as these items are the most commonly stolen.
• Using well-lit roads and avoiding dark alleyways and parks.
  
• Storing taxi and routefinder numbers on mobile phones before leaving the house.
  
• Walking confidently and purposefully and being aware of personal space as most crimes are opportunistic.
• Carrying a personal alarm and wearing reflective clothing. 

Students Sam Preston (aged 18) and Shamas Iqbal (aged 17) attended the roadshow and welcomed the innovative campaign. 

Speaking at the event, Sam Preston said: “I’m glad I attended.  I’ve picked up some useful tips.  A little forward-thinking can go a long way in ensuring we’re well equipped to deal with an emergency.”

The project is designed to attract the attention of the student population, by making students stop, think and ultimately take steps to protect themselves.

Students' Union Activities Co-ordinator, Sarah Townson has worked tirelessly on the ‘Dark Nights Roadshow’ campaign. Sarah Townson said: “I’m delighted the campaign to raise awareness on staying safe after dark has been such a success. We’ve reached over 600 students so far and the feedback we’ve received has been extremely positive.”

Attack alarms and other safety materials were also issued by the Students’ Union during the safety drive. The campaign will run alongside various safety initiatives to help keep new and returning students safe, including the ‘Student Safe Spot’ scheme, which has designated places in the Bradford community that students can use if they feel under threat. 

Students' Union Activities Co-ordinator, Sarah Townson concluded: "Bradford College supports the campaign and will continue to work together with the Police to continue to make the district as safe as possible.”