Students Speak Out on Safety Crisis in Cardiff’s Cathays District

Students in Cardiff’s Cathays neighborhood are raising alarm over a surge in crime, highlighting their fears of living in what has been described as the “most dangerous” university area in the UK. Reports indicate that violent incidents, including gunpoint robberies and sexual assaults, have left residents feeling increasingly unsafe. According to a recent study analyzing police data, Cathays recorded an alarming 32.5 crimes per 100 people, with a total of 6,495 crimes reported over the past year.

The study, which examined various student neighborhoods across England and Wales, identified Cathays as the top location for crime, with nearly 31 percent of incidents categorized as violent or sexual assault. The area has also seen significant rates of theft, including 1,562 shoplifting cases and 416 bicycle thefts reported.

The atmosphere of fear is palpable among students. Yasmina, a 26-year-old medical PhD student who previously resided in Cathays, expressed her concern: “It’s far too dangerous here.” She has since relocated to a safer part of the city but continues to commute to study in the area.

Local students have shared personal experiences that reflect the troubling crime statistics. Charlie Evans, a 21-year-old second-year mechanical engineering student, recounted a harrowing incident from June when he was confronted by a group of approximately 20 masked individuals. “Another second and I’d have been mincemeat,” he said, emphasizing the threat he faced. He managed to escape but noted that not everyone might be as fortunate.

Similarly, Seth O’Brien, 22, detailed a frightening encounter his friends had after a night out. They were pursued by a group of men who brandished a gun, demanding they get into a car. Thankfully, they ran to safety, but the incident left a lasting impression on the students.

The sentiments expressed by students are echoed by residents and local business owners. Zahid Akbar, who has operated a mini-market in Cathays for nearly 50 years, reported frequent visits from police seeking CCTV footage to assist in investigations. He acknowledged the rising crime but maintained that it remains a “wonderful part of the city,” despite the challenges.

In response to these concerns, Yvette Cooper, the Home Secretary, announced new policing reforms aimed at addressing crime in the area. During a recent visit to Cowbridge Road East, she emphasized the need to restore community trust in law enforcement. “Communities are sick of the antisocial behaviour and shop theft blighting their town centres,” she stated, pledging additional resources to ensure a more visible police presence.

The Home Office plans to deploy 70 additional neighbourhood officers across South Wales by spring 2024. This initiative aims to foster closer relationships between police and residents, potentially alleviating some of the fears expressed by those living and studying in Cathays.

While the university has acknowledged the crime data, a spokesperson pointed out that the study’s findings encompass not only the student area but also the bustling city centre, which attracts a high volume of visitors due to events at the nearby Principality Stadium. They stressed that only 16.5 percent of reported crimes in the Cathays ward in June 2025 occurred in the student area, arguing that it is unfair to label Cardiff as a dangerous place for students.

Despite these reassurances, the students of Cathays continue to navigate a complex landscape of academic pursuit and personal safety. Many express a desire to complete their studies and seek a more secure environment elsewhere. As crime rates continue to rise, the sense of urgency for effective solutions becomes increasingly critical.