For several years now, there has been partnership working between the City of London Corporation, City Police, St. John’s Ambulance, Victim Support and local Churches to offer support to those in need in Bishopsgate. Whether that be supporting homeless rough sleepers or those with complex needs.
The launch of the new Night Safety Hub is something a little bit different though. It’s a safe space for anyone who is feeling vulnerable in the City, but especially women who may need advice, support, medical attention or would like to report a crime. It will be open from 10pm to 6am every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (excluding Christmas Eve and Christmas Day) and can be located in the Church Hall of St. Botolph Without on Bishopsgate. The hall is right next to The Ivy City Gardens.
Street Safe, an online tool which allows you to report locations where you feel or have felt unsafe in the City, is also in operation. Data is used to pinpoint hotspots that may need an increased police presence, ensuring officers are in the right place at the right time.
The Ask For Angela initiative, meanwhile, provides members of the public with a phrase they can use to get help from staff if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable in bars and clubs.
Alongside more officers on the streets, City of London Police is also working closely with British Transport Police and the Metropolitan Police Service to increase its presence at major transport hubs.
Detective Chief Superintendent, Becky Riggs, of the City of London Police, said: “Over the festive season, London is a unique and exciting place to be, with things to do 24 hours a day, and a large number of visitors coming into the Square Mile to enjoy everything it has to offer. If you’re here in the City of London, you can expect to see our officers day and night. They will be focusing on keeping you safe, especially if you’re here to enjoy a night out. No one wants their celebrations ruined by violence, unwanted sexual behaviour, antisocial behaviour, or their possessions being stolen. It’s our job to help make sure everyone can enjoy the festive season safely. We also ask people to play their part in keeping themselves and others safe. We rely on you to be our extra eyes and ears. If you see something that doesn’t look right, report in confidence at gov.uk/ACT, or call 999 in an emergency. You won’t be wasting our time. Any piece of information could be important, it is better to be safe and report. You won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.”
