STUDENTS have been left in fear for their safety after a spate of crime in Brynmill and Uplands.
The mugging of a woman last week was the 88th violent offence reported in the area in the last six months, and a man has just been arrested and charged after dozens of cars were vandalised in late-night attacks.
The mugging in Brynmill last Tuesday left a woman in hospital with a head injury. The 56-year-old was walking home along Rhyddings Park Road at 9.30pm on Tuesday, December 4 when she was approached from behind by more than one person, who pushed her to the ground, stole her handbag and ran off.
The victim could not give a description of her attackers because of the low lighting in the area and because she was targeted from behind. Her handbag and contents were later found nearby.
The attack left the woman with a head injury and she was taken to Morriston Hospital for treatment.
The area has a history of crime, with 88 violent crimes reported in the last six months.
Some students have raised issues of safety, with Sarah Eamer, a Physics student speaking about her mugging last academic year: “I got mugged in Singleton Park at like 5:30pm, it wasn’t even dark. Never walked through there again for the whole year. Really shook me up!”
Emma Hill, a Genetics and Marine Biology student said: “Someone tried to mug me at knifepoint in second year. It was in broad daylight but luckily he didn’t take anything and I was unhurt (a swift kick to the groin area helped with that one – not that I’d advocate it being the best way to deal with an attacker!)”
Detective Inspector Darren George, of Swansea Central CID, speaking to the Evening Post, said: “This was a cowardly attack on a lone female who was making her way home after finishing work.
“The incident has occurred in a residential area, which also has a high student population, and has happened at the time of night when many students may have been going out for the evening or returning to their accommodation.
“A number of residents in the vicinity were aware of the attack as they heard the victim screaming and some went to help her.
“I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw the incident or has any relevant information to come forward.”
Charlotte Britton, Welfare Officer, urged people to stay vigilant and report anything they might see: “If anyone thinks they might have seen anything regarding this crime being committed, no matter how small, we urge you to contact the police.”
Police are appealing for information following the attack. You can call the police non-emergency line on 101 or Swansea Central CID on 01792 450 618
Meanwhile, a spate of vandalism on cars in student areas has resulted in South Wales Police charging a 28-year-old man with 52 counts of criminal damage to a vehicle.
A statement from South Wales Police said: “Over the last two months officers have received 29 reports of vehicles having their tyres slashed using a knife or a sharp instrument.”
The man has been released on conditional bail to appear at Swansea Magistrates Court on Wednesday 19th December.
Acting Chief Inspector Steve Jones of the Central Police Station Swansea said: “I want to express my gratitude to two members of the community who assisted the police on Friday evening, without their help this person might have avoided arrest.
“This male had clearly placed the lives of motorists in danger; thankfully his actions did not result in something more serious. This arrest evidences how communities and the police can work well together.”
Officers are asking anyone with information to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
