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With the run up to Christmas well under way, officers from the Stevenage Safer Neighbourhood Team have been out and about at night in the Old Town over the weekend, helping people stay safe.
Between 7pm and 9pm on both Friday and Saturday night, officers had a stand outside Ladbrooks and were handing out drink spiking leaflets, bottle stoppers, personal safety information and personal alarms. They were also asking people to fill in a short survey specifically about feelings of safety in the Old Town.
Officers also kept a look out for people loitering, catcalling, harassing others, or who appeared to be intoxicated. They also liaised with the taxi companies at the rank to help them identify concerning or unacceptable behaviour and people who may be vulnerable.
Earlier in the week the Stevenage Police Licensing Officer visited the bars and pubs in the Old Town to make sure they were familiar with their responsibilities around the ‘Ask for Angela’ and ‘Ask for Clive’ campaigns, which provide help to those who feel unsafe whilst out on a date.
PC Amy Hunter who organised the operation said: “The response we had around this activity has been really positive from everyone we spoke to. We were particularly pleased with the amount of positive feedback we received from young men, who welcomed the opportunity to talk about challenging stereotypes and the myths that men are unlikely to be victims of sexual offences.
“We have had nearly 100 responses from our survey, so I would like to thank everyone who took the time to fill it in. We plan to continue this activity over the coming weeks and it is in addition to the usual police response patrols.”
It is currently ‘16 days of activism against gender-based violence’ and the constabulary is working alongside organisations across Hertfordshire to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, where to get help and support and what we are doing to tackle it.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of abusive behaviour, visit the Herts Sunflower website (Opens in a new window) or call the Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline free of charge on 08 088 088 088. Both offer advice, guidance and signposting to a wide range of services available in Hertfordshire.
In an emergency, always call 999.
You can complete the safety survey by scanning the QR code.