Mystery shopping shows Ask for Angela helps to keep people safe
Earlier this week students and members of the town centre advisory board did some mystery shopping in Huddersfield town centre to see how night-time venues responded to someone asking for Angela.
The surprise visits resulted in 80% of venues tested showing they understood what was being asked and offered support. Premises were provided with feedback on how the experience had been, and offered further advice on things they could improve.
The bars tested had all signed up to take part in the Ask for Angela campaign.
What is Ask for Angela?
Anyone who feels unsafe whilst on a night out in pubs, clubs, and other night-time venues can discreetly get help by asking venue staff for ‘Angela’.
This national safety scheme was launched in Huddersfield in November 2021. The scheme is a partnership between Kirklees Council, the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, Pub Watch and the West Yorkshire Police.
Some other ways we’re working together to enhance safety:
Partnership working
Night Safety Bus
This bus is a regular visitor to Huddersfield town centre offering a place for people to stop and get support. The bus has phone chargers, hot and cold drinks, some snacks and offers a safe space for anyone who needs it. It’s friendly members of staff from Change Grow Live’s CHART Kirklees drug and alcohol service and Locala can help or signpost visitors to a range of support.
Over the last 12 months the team has supported over 1,000 people. They’ve supported with everything from reuniting people with friends, to helping someone seek support for alcohol abuse.
Street marshals
Street marshals operate in the town centre three times a week. They provide help as people move from one bar to another and increase the feeling of safety. They are trained in de-escalating tensions and like the Night Safety Bus, will help reduce the pressure on emergency services.
Project Spotlight
West Yorkshire Police Force’s cutting-edge Project Spotlight identifies potential criminality and prevents it from ever taking place.
Spotlight has seen officers patrol Huddersfield at key times in uniform, and plain clothes, to look out for those who are in the space for a criminal purpose. Officers intervene early in situations where it looked like criminal behaviour could take place.
The result has been a fall in offending in the first three months of 2023 when compared to the last three months of 2022.
Cllr Carole Pattison, Kirklees Cabinet Lead for Community safety said:
“We want people to be able to enjoy out town centres during the day and into the evening. We have some fantastic bars, and restaurants within the town centre and I am delighted that so many are taking part in the Ask for Angela scheme.
“In an ideal world we wouldn’t need schemes like this, but we know that situations occur where people are made to feel unsafe and that’s where this scheme comes in. Whether it’s a date gone wrong, or you are feeling threatened by another person’s behaviour – Ask for Angela. A member of staff will help move you away from the situation and get you the help you need.
“When combined with the night bus and Project Spotlight we hope that no matter what the situation you will feel safe to enjoy a night out in Huddersfield.”
DCI Marie Bulmer of Kirklees District CID, said:
“Reducing offending against women and girls has been a key priority for Kirklees District, and a significant part of that work has been lowering offending in the night-time economy.
“Huddersfield remains a popular night out in West Yorkshire and we have worked hard with our partners in force, at Safer Kirklees and third party groups, to deliver this package of safety measures.
“The feedback we’ve had to initiatives such as Spotlight and drugs dogs patrols has been really positive at all levels.
“Women should feel safe to go out and enjoy a drink, dance or a meal in Huddersfield town centre, and we intend to keep up our joint work to ensure they can.”
West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, said:
“The Mayor and I want to build a safer, fairer West Yorkshire for everyone, wherever they go, day or night.
“This vision is shared across the region and demonstrated by the readiness of so many venues to sign up to the Ask for Angela scheme, and to help anyone in need.
“West Yorkshire has a fantastic and diverse night-time economy, and we will continue to work with partners, local authorities, and the police, to make sure everybody can feel safe and enjoy it to the full.”
More information
More advice on how to stay safe on a night out can be found on the council’s website at www.kirklees.gov.uk/night-safety