Listen to the audio to hear first hand about one of the mugging incidents in Selly Oak.
There have been multiple muggings in the student area of Selly Oak. Masked perpetrators had targeted UOB students four times in one week, at the end of last month. Other incidents have also been reported in the past few weeks. Students have confessed that they do not feel safe walking home in the dark anymore, especially along Dawlish, Tiverton and Hubert Road.
The Guild’s statement gives an attachment to a Safer Self page, which outlines ways in which student’s can improve their personal safety when walking in Selly Oak. Some of their advice includes; do not use your phone whilst walking along, try not to use earphones and when carrying a rucksack make sure that you have it over both arms.
Following a petition signed by over 4,000 students, the police have stepped up their patrols of Selly Oak. In a statement last month Sergeant Matthew Crowley from Birmingham South police said: “We have increased patrols in the area and are working closely with university wardens. I would urge anyone with any information about these robberies to get in touch.”
Despite this action being taken, students remain anxious and want to see more being done by the Police and Birmingham City Council.
In the meantime, a Facebook group has been set up named “Selly Oak Walking Back Buddies“, which has over 1,000 members and is one method to aid safety in Selly Oak.
