Cardiff Safety Buses helps hundreds of vulnerable individuals

More than 460 people have been taken to a place of safety thanks to the Cardiff Safety Bus.

Two safety buses have been running every night throughout the Freshers period to identify lone, vulnerable individuals and help get them home safely.

The buses will continue to run on the busiest nights.

Student liaison officer Pc Michael Neate said: “The buses have helped an average of 20 people each night. Some were highly intoxicated and their personal safety was at obvious risk.

“This initiative has once again enabled us to identify those in vulnerable circumstances and most at need, and get them safely back to their homes or the Alcohol Treatment Centre.”

Each year South Wales Police student volunteers team up with police officers on regular walkabouts, visiting halls of residence and private accommodation to welcome thousands of new and returning students to Cardiff.

This year nearly 8,000 students have been visited and advised of current local crime trends and how best they can keep themselves safe.

They are also reminded about good behaviour and being considerate neighbours.

PC Neate added: "We find speaking to people face to face is the best way to get messages across and hopefully the information we provide as we go door to door helps to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

"Cardiff has a proud tradition of partnership work which contributes to keeping the city safe and we simply could not reach so many students without the student volunteers who are fantastic.

“In September alone our volunteers worked more than 1,000 hours on our Safer Students campaign, dedicating their own time to the Safety Buses, arrival events at halls of residence and crime prevention walkabouts.”

More information on the South Wales Police Safer Students Campaign can be found on our website.

The campaign would not be possible without the support of the city’s Universities and night-time economy partners.