Students in Manchester 'too scared to walk streets'
Students living in Fallowfield say they are ‘too scared to walk the streets at night’ claiming crime is ‘out of hand’ as they urge police to make the suburb safer.
Campaigners claim there has been an increase in violent attacks on young people in the area and burglaries in recent weeks.
In one incident a man was stabbed multiple times during a vicious attack on Brailsford Road on Saturday, September 30. The 21-year-old needed hospital treatment after he was knifed in the leg and arm by a group of men shortly after 4.10am.
Another student has described the terrifying moment he was attacked with a crowbar during a knifepoint robbery in the early hours of Thursday.
And a young female student has told how a burglar scaled a wall and clambered through the window of her shared house before strolling out through the front door.
A petition, signed by almost 6,000 people, is calling on police to make the area safe for student residents.
Petition organiser Matthew Harvison says increased action is necessary.
The University of Manchester student will hand his petition in to Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
Said Matthew:
Third-year student Matthew, 20, claims students living in multi-occupancy accommodation in Fallowfield, Withington and Rusholme are at most risk.
He said:
In a message shared on a campaigning site, Matthew claims the number of burglaries in the area is ‘out of hand’ and says many students are ‘scared to walk the streets at night’.
There were 133 crimes reported in the student suburb in August, according to the latest available figures. That includes 29 reports of violence and sexual offences, 15 burglaries, three robberies and six thefts from a person.
Matthew’s petition has been backed by students, residents and parents of those living in the city.
Mr Burnham said he will contact Matthew, and he added: “Our vast and thriving student communities bring so much to our city-region and I want all students to be able to make the most of their time here.
Chief Insp Caroline Hemingway, of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: