A Nottinghamshire Police report has revealed that Lenton, a popular student area, is among the most dangerous areas in Nottingham, with over 400 crimes reported from September to December 2017.
The statistics revealed that 1483 crimes were committed in the area of Dunkirk and Lenton in the period from January to November 2017, the average being 135 per month.
According to the report, the most common crimes are burglary, theft, and harassment, with 57 occurring only in November.
Recently, two stabbings in popular student areas raised concerns over safety. In the beginning of November 2017, a young male was stabbed in the chest on Albert Grove, Lenton, at around 6am. Another stabbing occurred in Broadgate Park, Beeston, at the start of the year.
“You just have to be careful, lock your windows and door and make sure you’re with people if you come home late”
Impact asked students living in Lenton for their take on the recent crime reports, how safe they feel living in Lenton, and whether or not they would recommend the area to others.
Pia Schäfer, a student studying at the University of Nottingham, told Impact: “I feel relatively safe but I think only because nothing has happened to me yet. There are loads of stories going around about burglaries and girls being harassed by creepy guys. So I do try to not wander around Lenton by myself late at night. I have always lived in a relatively isolated and safe area at home, but coming here and knowing someone was stabbed on the street next to ours is not great.
“Despite all these things, I definitely would [recommend Lenton]. Lenton is a great area for students when it comes to social aspects because all your friends live close, the supermarket is not far and it’s in walking distance to the clubs. You just have to be careful, lock your windows and door, and make sure you’re with people if you come home late.”
“The crimes are awful but I do see a lot of police roaming the streets and patrolling”
Emily Terry, also a student at the University, told Impact: “I feel fairly safe although I am very conscious about making sure all doors and windows are locked, and I wouldn’t go walking round the streets by myself when it’s dark. The crimes are awful but I do see a lot of police roaming the streets and patrolling which makes me feel a bit better. But if you want to live close to the city and University, then I would say Lenton is the perfect choice. As long as you are sensible and keep your house secure it isn’t a bad place to live.”
Talking to another student, Miranda Etkind, she said: “I would recommend other students to live in Lenton as you are in a good location: halfway to University and halfway to town. You also feel part of the student community if you live in Lenton.”
“There are loads of stories going around about burglaries and girls being harassed by creepy guys”
Nottinghamshire Police advise students as well as other local residents to ensure their doors and windows are locked and to report any suspicious activity in the community.
They also stated that they have increased the number of patrols to ensure the safety of the local community, and asked the residents to remain calm.
Teodor Ispas
Featured image courtesy of Kristina Kiminiute. License here.
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