September 22, 2025 - 384 views
Students in Wales are facing various threats like financial exploitation, spiking, and theft says a leading charity today.
Crimestoppers is launching a national campaign to address these issues.
Students in Wales face rising threats that can impact well-being, security and academic life. Some of the key issues identified include money mule recruitment and financial fraud; drink and vape spiking; ketamine use and its dangers; theft of electronics in student accommodation.
Recent UK data reveals three in five students have been approached to become money mules, with fraud cases among under 21s up 78%.
Drink spiking affects 1.2 million adults annually, while ketamine use among young people has soared 231% since 2013.
Acquisitive crime – especially theft of phone and laptops – is a daily risk for students, made worse by the cost-of-living crisis.
Partnering with UK universities and student unions, the initiative includes dedicated resources, a “Students: stay safe” webpage, and active social media engagement.
Students are urged to look out for each other and report suspicions safely and anonymously. Crimestoppers and its youth service, Fearless, offer reporting channels designed for students. “Your Voice, Your Power” is the heart of the campaign – students are community protectors, not passive victims.
Hayley Fry, Crimestoppers National Manager for Wales, said: “University life in Wales should be exciting and safe. Sadly, students face real dangers – whether it’s money mule scams, spiking, drug misuse or theft in halls. At Crimestoppers, we believe your voice matters. If you see something that worries you, speak up – 100% anonymously.
“By sharing what you know, you help keep yourself, your friends, and your campus safe. No judgement, no pressure, just support. Together, let’s make student communities across Wales safer for everyone.”
For more information, visit Cimestoppers dedicated student safety webpage, or follow their campaign posts across social media.
No-one will ever know you contacted Crimestoppers. With Fearless.org and Crimestoppers-uk.org, computer IP addresses are never traced.
For telephone calls to the independent charity’s UK Contact Centre, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility. You will stay 100% anonymous. Always.
