Durham students crucial to city’s success – say traders
Written by Kaitlyn Ashby on 30th October 2024
Durham’s students are the key to keeping the city afloat and reducing crime, according to local traders.
Shopkeepers say students are crucial to bringing revenue into the city and making the city centre streets feel safer during term time.
Muminah Ali, owner of Dunelm Food Stores on New Elvet Road, said: “On a business level, the students make a massive difference.
“Our sales triple and we can afford to stay open later too.”
The business owner also believes the presence of students in the city centre helps to reduce crime.
She added: “When the students are not here there’s nobody around and we just get more anti-social behaviour, so we close earlier.
“I think when more people are around the shoplifters are intimidated. There’s still a lot of theft, but more people are around to watch them.
“The students’ presence is the only thing that keeps our businesses afloat and students being around makes me feel safer walking on the streets.”
Credit: Kaitlyn Ashby
According to Durham Constabulary, in August 2024 the following crimes were reported in the city centre:
- Violence and sexual offences (71 cases)
- Anti-social behaviour (47 cases)
- Public Order (42 cases)
- shoplifting (35 cases)
There was a spike in city centre crimes in June 2024, just as the Durham University summer holidays officially began, with 271 reported crimes – the most per month since September 2023.
A survey conducted by Durham Council in 2022 received over 400 responses from local Durham residents and business owners calling for a PSPO to limit anti-social behaviour.
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was put in place by Durham County Council this past September (2024). A PSPO bans specific acts in certain areas with an aim to create a community where business owners and residents can feel safe, away from anti-social behaviour.
