Sexual assaults - 25 September 2015
A Cardiff University spokesperson said: “We recognise that these are very serious incidents and we’re working closely with South Wales Police to help their investigation.
“Police officers are increasing their presence in the area with additional high-visibility patrols to offer reassurance.
“Police are also reminding people when walking around at night to do so in pairs or groups and stick to well-lit areas.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe environment for our students, our security team has been visiting student residences to discuss personal safety.
“We offer a range of professional support services to our students. We encourage anyone affected by these events to speak to someone in student support.”
24 September 2015
University and Students’ Union joint safety advice message
Joint safety advice message on incidents of sexual assault in close proximity to the University
Dear all,
You will be aware of three separate incidents of sexual assault within close proximity to the University. These are very serious incidents and the University and Students’ Union are working closely with South Wales Police to assist with their investigation.
While Cardiff is a safe city and these are extremely unusual incidents, we wish to reiterate to you the importance of taking sensible precautions at this time. Police have suggested a number of safety measures that we should adhere to.
These include:
- Stay in pairs while walking around at night
- Stick to well-lit populated areas
- Look out for your friends
- Be safe and sensible
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe environment at the University, we are taking action that we hope will reassure staff and students. For example, our security team has been visiting student residences to discuss personal safety, while the Students’ Union safe taxi scheme is now being extended to staff as well as students. The scheme allows you to be safely picked up by Dragon Taxis anywhere in Cardiff and taken home even if you don’t have cash at the time, provided you have your student or staff card.
We of course already have tight safety measures in place at all of our halls of residences. They have dedicated 24-hour security and each block has a dedicated guard. Police are carrying out extra high-visibility patrols in the area to offer reassurance.
In addition the University offers a range of professional support services to our students. We encourage anyone affected by these events to speak to someone in Student Support.
Please be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police. If you have any information about the incidents you can call police on 101 or via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Yours sincerely,
Professor Patricia Price
Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience & Academic Standards
Claire Blakeway
Students’ Union President