New data secured by the Breaker has revealed that crime inside Bournemouth, Boscombe and Poole night clubs has risen by 44% between 2021 and 2022.
The freedom of information request has further detailed that crime in public houses has decreased by 19%.
Students and local residents say they don’t like going clubbing as they feel unsafe.
With the recent rape of a young woman in Bournemouth town centre and the stabbing of a 40-year-old man in September 2022 young people are becoming put off going out – preferring to host house parties and go to bars instead.
Charlotte Taylor (21) a student at Bournemouth University, said: “I can’t enjoy a night out and I’m constantly looking over my shoulder, keeping an eye out for me and my friends”.
With 565 crimes being reported in the Bournemouth and Poole area in November (2022), 168 of which were violence and sexual offences, individuals are feeling anxious when going out.
Miss Taylor, added: “I can’t remember a night out where people haven’t over stepped boundaries, making me feel uncomfortable”.
Mathew Waterman, manager of Buffalo, a local bar in Winton said: “We have seen an increase in vandalism, the bathrooms are being damaged more than ever before to the point where we are having to box in the pipe work in order to stop people kicking them”. However, he noted that they are always busy and added, ‘I have heard from a number of people that they feel safe in Buffalo’, which is supported by its 4.5 star rating.
Dorset Police declined to comment, however their website highlights that they work with universities in matters that include attending events and crime prevention. Bournemouth Campus Police highlight on their website and facebook page several measures to tackle crime, including a recent introduction of ‘drop in contact points’ in order to answer any questions or raise concerns.
Many residents and students question is this enough? A local night club, turned their medical aid room into a drum and base/jungle dance floor, and with night buses running at reduced rates (the N1 and N2 no longer in operation at all) it has left individuals more cautious of nights out.
Miss Taylor, like many other students, said: “I would simply prefer to stay at home and drink with my mates in my own house”.
