THE operator behind Cameo in Bournemouth has conducted a large survey on attitudes to the safety of its young customer base yielding “surprising” results.

According to research by club and bar operator REKOM, which operates Cameo in Bournemouth, going home with a stranger is one of the least important safety concerns for students on a night out.

Instead, the survey of 2,400 18 to 21-year-olds found that having a fully charged phone is the number one priority with 78.4 per cent of votes.

Just 15.2 per cent of those asked said choosing not to go home with a stranger was their main safety concern.

After having a fully charged phone, never leaving a drink unattended (68.1 per cent) and always leaving with friends (40.5 per cent) were in the top three of priorities. Only a quarter considered it unacceptable to refuse drinks from a stranger, with not drinking too much (15.6 per cent) and requesting a drink cover to prevent spiking (15.4 per cent) some of the least important.

REKOM’s country executive director Russell Quelch said: “This is one of the largest surveys of 18 to 21-year-olds attitudes to personal safety ever undertaken and it was surprising to see what they do and don’t prioritise when it comes to staying safe on a night out.

“It is reassuring to know that we have all basis covered in our We Care policy where we offer a range of services including free phone charging stations, onsite medics, anti-spiking devices and all our staff are trained in what to do if they spot a vulnerable guest.”