Safety of women and girls at the heart of festive awareness and reassurance patrols in Scarborough

Police and community partners in Scarborough are carrying out night-time awareness and reassurance patrols to help increase the safety of women and girls in the run-up to the festive season.

Starting on Friday evening (26 November 2021), people on a night out will see an increased visible presence of police officers, PCSOs and Scarborough Borough Council’s Community Safety Officers on Falsgrave Road and in the town centre.

As well as being part of the Scarborough Borough and Ryedale policing areas’ “Proactive Fortnight”, the patrols also come a day after the United Nation’s “International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women” which is followed by 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

Police Constable Charlotte White, who has co-ordinated the operation, said: “The awareness and reassurance patrols are designed to highlight the importance of the safety of women and girls in the night-time economy in Scarborough.

“Together with the council’s Community Safety team, we are actively engaging with the licensees, door staff and staff members of pubs and bars about the importance of providing a safe environment.

“Crucially, this includes raising awareness about the behaviour of a small minority of men who actually or potentially pose a risk to women and girls.

“When such concerning behaviour is flagged-up to the police, we will execute our powers to stop and search these individuals and carry out arrests if necessary.

“More than anything, we want all the people of Scarborough and visitors to feel safe while enjoying everything a night out in town has to offer during the festive season and beyond.”   

Rhian Buglass, Senior Community Safety Officer at Scarborough Borough Council, added: “It is important that we continue to have a visible presence in the community for the public and our businesses, engaging with them and working together to keep our town safe for everyone.” 

Reporting suspicious incidents or behaviour

If a crime is in progress or if you or someone else is in danger, always dial 999 for an emergency response.

To report a non-emergency incident, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Or make a report online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk.  

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to www.crimestoppers-uk.org.