As the evenings grow longer and the days shorter, it can be tempting to stay indoors and hibernate. However, London offers a wealth of exciting winter activities that are well worth stepping out for! That said, it’s important to prioritize safety during the festive season.
Our team member, Ben Murphy, recently joined the City of London Police to test various safety initiatives. Here’s a rundown of the activities:
Testing "Ask Angela" in Bishopsgate pubs: We're happy to report that the initiative passed with flying colours!
Central Control of Street Lighting: The police now have the ability to adjust street lighting in real-time to respond to crime in specific areas.
Elvis, the Sniffer Dog: Testing the ability of 'Elvis' to detect drugs.
St John Ambulance Bikes: These newly funded bikes are helping improve medical response times and safety, thanks to the support of the EC BID.
Project Servator: A new undercover police team focused on tackling predatory behavior and preventing violence against women and girls.
Taxi Marshals: Ensuring safe taxi services for everyone
These initiatives show a great example of collaboration across multiple agencies!
That said, it's always important to stay vigilant. Here are some key safety measures in place to protect you:
Night Safety Hub: A safe space located at St. Botolph's Without Church Hall, Bishopsgate, London, EC2M 3TL. In partnership with the City of London Corporation, St John Ambulance, and Victim Support, the Night Safety Hub provides support, medical attention, and a place to report crimes—particularly for women. (Victim Support)
Street Safe: An online tool () that allows you to report locations where you feel unsafe. This helps us identify hotspots for potential increased police presence.
New night safety medical support programme in the Eastern City - Eastern City: An initiative in Eastern City to provide medical support during nighttime hours.
Ask For Angela: A discreet way to request help at licensed premises, such as bars and clubs, if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. We’ve worked with licensees to build relationships and provide staff training to ensure everyone’s safety.
Joint Efforts with Police Services: Collaborations between British Transport Police, the Metropolitan Police Service, and local authorities to ensure your safety on public transport and in transport hubs.
Police Patrols: Officers are patrolling licensed premises and busy areas to reduce the risk of violence and antisocial behavior.
Dispersal Zones: A strategy targeting antisocial behavior by dispersing groups in certain areas.
Increased Police Visibility: Uniformed and plainclothes officers are conducting extra patrols in busy areas, such as shopping districts and transport hubs.
For your safety, here are some practical tips to keep in mind when heading out:
Never leave your drink unattended
Don’t accept drinks from strangers or anyone who hasn’t prepared it in front of you.
Many bars participate in the 'Ask for Angela' initiative—use it if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Stick together with friends and look out for one another.
Agree to check in with each other when you get home safely.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when using your phone, as phone snatching is unfortunately common.
Avoid walking alone at night, and always stick to well-lit areas.
Never leave your personal belongings unattended in public spaces.
Stay safe, and enjoy all that London has to offer this winter!
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