A number of residents on Hyde street have raised concerns over student safety after a series of attacks in the area. Police were called to the area last Saturday after a male student walking with his girlfriend was assaulted by two males believed to be non-students. No arrests were made. Another resident was struck in the neck by a glass bottle shortly afterward.
Inspector Kelvin Lloyd, Acting Otago Coastal Area Commander, says that police are aware of an increasing number of recent incidents on Hyde Street related to “disorder and dishonesty”, and believes that many of the issues arise from non-students coming into the area. One resident has approached Student Support and informed them that her flat is “scared for our safety and the safety of others” and has set up a meeting with the Campus Cop, who she says has been “extremely helpful” about the situation.
Complaints from residents largely stem from two flats recently rented by groups of non-students, who they believe are responsible for the increase in unsavoury characters in the area, with complaints of “multiple accounts of physical violence, underage drinking, gang threats and violence, threats of gun violence and drug abuse, and disturbing the peace on multiple occasions”. Hyde street resident Gerald Robertson says he was approached by group of people wearing “Mongrel Mob colours” who attempted to sell him drugs. However, Police say they have no evidence of gang-related activity in the area.
A number of recent break-ins in the Leith/Hyde/Clyde area have compounded fears about the security of flats, prompting warnings from police for students to protect their valuables, saying in a statement “Should residents see any suspicious activity or behaviour, particularly from residents who are not known in the area, they should call 111. If it’s not an emergency, then concerns can be raised with staff at Dunedin Police Station on 03 471 4800.” Police remind all residents to keep doors and windows secure, night and day, as student flats can make for easy targets. If you can’t secure your flat, contact your landlord, who is responsible for ensuring the security of your residence.