Carrie Lloyd looks at the at the current
disturbing trend of growing violence in Bristol.
St. Matts is a close community, and the bar provides a friendly atmosphere, which no one wants spoilt. The security must have done their job well (although one would like to think though that they are not necessary). Sadly, this is not the case. The response time of the UWE security team was abysmal on the 8th October, when a fight started during the evening. It took the team a laughable 25 minutes to arrive at the bar, which is no joke, because someone could have been seriously injured in that time.
Later on that week, at Frenchay’s popular “Crunchie” night, I searched for a table for my friend who had passed out due to the excessive heat in the first floor bar. The only table I found had the markings of a bloody fight which had occurred just moments before. The sight that my friend was faced with when she regained consciousness, there was a pool of blood on one table and spots of blood splattered all over the adjoining table. Nice! A few minutes later, two people came over with torches and said they were looking for their friends teeth! Hardly the way to start your Friday night out. Unfortunately, my evening did not improve. Someone then informed me of the stabbing of three guys I knew, who I’d seen in St. Matts bar earlier that evening. It had happened on the bus stop on the way to Frenchay about half an hour earlier. Thankfully they are all recovering, despite the fact that one had been stabbed several times in the back, shoulder and stomach.
An eventful start to the year at UWE, but we can only hope this is not the way it carries on and that we can feel safe in our student bars, bus and taxi queues and in the area that we live. Perhaps my village upbringing has not prepared me for city life and I am a little naive to these kind of assaults, but I think I am only human to be shocked by the current events. Most people would agree that all they want from a good night out with friends is to have fun. Just take care.
Stay Safe
Here is some important advice from Avon and Somerset’s boys in blue:
- Think ahead - consider how you are going to get home. What about pre-booking a taxi or arranging a lift with a friend or family member?
- Make sure that you stay with your party and that someone knows where you are at all times.
- You must not, under any circumstances, walk home alone.
- Make sure you have enough money to get home or use a phone.
- Steer Clear of Trouble. If you see any trouble or suspect that it might be about to start, keep clear. The best thing to do is to alert the police and keep away.
- Walk purposely and try to appear confident. Be wary of casual requests, like someone asking for a cigarette or change, they could have ulterior motives.
- Men, try not to carry your wallet in your back trouser pocket where it is vulnerable and in clear view.
For more information on what to do in specific incidences take a look at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk
Have fun when you go out, but always remember that personal safety is ultimately more important
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