Force’s work continues to help keep people safe on nights out

Leicestershire Police is continuing its work to help keep people safe when on nights out.

Over the past seven months, since the night-time economy reopened, the force has continued its work with partners and licensed premises to address safety concerns raised, target offenders and help protect the safety of people enjoying a night out.

Work has included continued high visibility police patrols, increased training for officers and staff in relation to spotting suspicious behaviour including drink spiking, and supporting street pastors.

The force also has a dedicated CCTV sergeant in place to monitor specific areas during busy evenings and direct the appropriate resources when required.

The evening of February 12 also saw the force trial placing plain clothes police officers in a city nightclub to monitor for any suspicious behaviour. This was done proactively in partnership with the club to provide a further safety measure and have officers immediately available if concerns were raised.

No suspicious activity was reported during the evening. The force will continue to review expanding this work in the future.

Schemes such as Ask For Angela, which supports people who feel unsafe when out, are also continually promoted across the force area. Posters and social media are also used to provide safety advice.

Inspector Liz Perry said: “People should be able to safely enjoy a night out and we have a dedicated team in force who are continuing to work to achieve this.

“We are taking many proactive measures to help ensure people can enjoy a safe night out and to have officers available to respond immediately and effectively as and when required.

“Please continue to look after yourselves and others when out and if you feel unsafe please ensure you tell someone such as a member of a bar staff. Please also continue to report any suspicious behaviour or any offences committed to us so that we can act on this.”

You can report to police online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

 

More info on the Ask for Angela scheme can be found here - https://www.leicestershire.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/community-safety/ask-for-angela