How we're working to keep women and girls safe in Walsall

Our officers in Walsall have been tackling anti-social behaviour and working with pubs, clubs and bars to reduce Violence and Women Against Girls (VAWG) as part of #SaferStreetsWinter

During December we focused our attention on on venues in Walsall town centre, with officers on high-visibility patrols on busy evenings into the early hours.

Officers spoke to staff and checked they were trained in using the Ask for Angela scheme, sharing posters and other material to give to customers.

We carried out drug wipes of tables and toilets in venues, and spoke to young women enjoying night outs and offered them advice on keeping safe.

Our officers have also been collating information about women who might be at risk of exploitation, as well as working closely with our partners and as we disrupt men who exploit women.

We are also carrying out high visibility patrols at key transport locations including the bus and train stations, and concentrating on anti-social behaviour hotspots to provide a visual deterrent and reassurance for women and girls using these facilities.

Sgt Alex Backrath, neighbourhood policing supervisor at Walsall, said: “Working alongside our partners our teams in Walsall town centre have been carrying out patrols and engagement focussing on VAWG and ensuring women are safe on a night out.

"This action is all part of our #SaferStreetsWinter and we continue to carry out activities around VAWG and anti-social behaviour in Walsall over the winter months.”

This work is part of the national Winter of Action initiative where we are working with partners in town centres across the region tackling crime, reassuring communities, and ensuring our high streets are welcoming and safe for everyone.