Nightclubs and Bournemouth's student union work towards safer streets

Bournemouth University’s student union (SUBU) is highlighting measures to prioritise the safety of young people following a spate of violent crimes.

The initiative is part of the Town Team campaign which is run by Dorset Police, BCP Council and partners across the town centre.

Jasmine Ecclestone, promotions manager at SUBU’s nightclub The Old Fire Station, said they are passionate that students enjoy the nighttime industry.

“We want you to come out and have a good night out, but I want people to feel comfortable if something does go wrong.

“We are here to help.”

Venues operate a town radio that connects bars, clubs and Dorset Police officers.

The network allows them to flag people causing difficulty in the town and police can track their movements through CCTV.

“So if needed, the police can assist us in removing them from our premises, but I think that is a real key thing for Bournemouth that can keep everyone safe around town, and that goes for students and non-students," said Jasmine. 

She added that police have supplied spiking test kits to all venues around Bournemouth and The Old Fire Station gives its customers drink covers.

Fatima Farha, SUBU’s vice president for welfare and community, said the union is always working towards safety within the university but is careful to not ‘over police’ the campus.

“One thing we are working on is not having as many police within campus just so that it does not trigger any students,” said Fatima.

General manager of Halo nightclub, Stephen Hooper, said the safety of customers is always important, especially during freshers.

The venue uses ID scanners to track people who have been involved in incidents across the country.

Metal-detecting wands are also used at the club in Exeter Road alongside bag searches.

Stephen added: “Students should never be afraid to speak to security or management in the venue if they feel unsafe or a situation makes them feel uneasy.”