Merseyside Police is committed to ensuring that women and girls feel safe when enjoying the night-time economy (NTE) across the region. Through a combination of proactive policing, partnership work, and public awareness initiatives, the Force is tackling predatory behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.
Merseyside Police encourage everyone planning a night out to take simple steps to stay safe, such as carrying a fully charged phone, being vigilant of their surroundings, sticking with friends, planning your journey home in advance and reporting anything that doesn’t feel right. Concerns can be raised not only with police officers but also with other guardians within the night-time economy, including taxi marshalls, and door and bar staff who have received specialist safeguarding training either through Operation Halo or as part of the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.
The Police have a number of dedicated operations and initiatives in place across the NTE that focus on prevention, intervention, and support for those at risk. They include:
Operation Empower, which focuses on identifying and targeting perpetrators of predatory behaviour in busy nightlife areas. Specially trained officers patrol key locations to spot individuals who may pose a risk and intervene before harm occurs.
Operation Halo works closely with licensed premises and security staff to create safer environments, building on the national ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, which allows people to discreetly seek help from staff in licensed premises. It aims to provide that extended support beyond the bars and clubs, and Merseyside Police has worked with venues to train staff as VAWG Champions, individuals equipped to spot vulnerability, recognise offender behaviours, respond to incidents such as spiking, and preserve evidence where needed.
The champions are approachable and easy to spot thanks to specially designed armbands and are there to help anyone who feels unsafe, building a culture of safety across Liverpool’s nightlife and making the NTE a safer place for women and girls.
A recent example highlights the impact of Halo: following a sexual assault incident in a city centre bar, door staff handed the suspect over to officers and specifically referenced Operation Halo. They explained that, after receiving VAWG Champion training, they now adopt a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour, whereas previously such conduct might have been dismissed as commonplace. This proactive stance ensures incidents are addressed and reported immediately.
Ask for Angela, which empowers anyone feeling unsafe or threatened in a bar, club, or pub to discreetly seek help from staff by asking for “Angela.” Staff will then provide assistance, whether that means calling a taxi, contacting friends, or involving the police.
Operation Topaz, is a proactive and targeted response, using the road network, to some of the most serious threats facing women and girls in our communities. By leveraging the road network and predictive policing tools, officers are able to intervene early, support victims of serious sexual offences and domestic abuse, and disrupt repeat offenders.
Recent successes include 15 arrests, which includes stopping three separate vehicles, resulting in three suspects wanted on suspicion of rape arrested; a private hire taxi driver arrested on suspicion of two domestic violence assaults and controlling and coercive behaviour; and four males stopped using TPAC tactics and arrested on suspicion of a high-value theft of over £1,000 from Morrisons.
Superintendent Charlotte Irlam, Liverpool Local Policing said: “Making the night-time economy a safe and welcoming place is a priority for Merseyside Police. We’re working closely with partners and venues to create an environment where people can enjoy a night out without fear. Through visible and proactive policing, specialist training for staff, and initiatives that empower people to seek help when they need it, we’re tackling predatory behaviour head-on and building a culture of safety across our city. Our message is clear: if you feel unsafe or see something that doesn’t seem right, speak to staff, approach an officer, or call us. Together, we can make sure everyone enjoys their night gets home safely.”
If you see something that doesn’t feel right, speak to venue staff, approach an officer, or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.