Night Safe Officers to help make Stroud a safe place during the night-time economy

• The Officers will patrol key areas of the Stroud night-time economy, support door staff and provide a taxi marshal role during peak times
• A card explaining the role of Night Safe Officers will be handed out to all night-time economy premises and taxi drivers in Stroud
• The scheme is being funded thanks to the Safer Streets Fund, which has seen more than £2m secured by the OPCC from the Home Office

Are you planning a night out in Stroud soon? If so, then things are about to get safer, thanks to a new team of Night Safe Officers (NSO’s) patrolling the night-time economy on Friday and Saturday nights.

The scheme is being funded through the OPCC’s Safer Streets Fund, which has seen more than £2m secured from the Home Office to tackle issues such as male violence against women and girls (VAWG), crime in rural communities and anti-social behaviour in the county.

The NSO’s will see the introduction of two officers patrolling key night-time economy locations, supporting venue door staff and providing a taxi rank marshal role during peak times. The officers will offer a visible presence to identify issues before they escalate and helping to protect vulnerable people.

The scheme will work in partnership with Gloucester City Safe, Stroud District Council and other members of the Stroud Community Safety Partnership.

PCC Chris Nelson said: “Following the success of the Gloucester City Safe scheme, I’m really pleased to see a similar scheme starting in Stroud. Tackling anti-social behaviour and VAWG are two of my key pledges, and these new officers will help tackle both issues and ensure our local communities can enjoy a safe night out.”

Steve Lindsay, the manager of Gloucester City Safe, a similar scheme, said “Gloucester City Safe are proud to be trusted with such an important role, providing what is a vital and necessary safety support service to the town. Officers will work closely with the Stroud Neighbourhood Police team and other partners in the night-time economy and will without doubt make a positive impact.”

The Stroud scheme will begin on Friday 30^th June, running on Friday and Saturday nights for an initial 3-month trial.

Cards explaining what the NSO’s role will be handed out to venues and taxi drivers across Stroud to hand out.

If members of the public require assistance from the NSO’s, support with crime or anti-social behaviour incidents, then call their dedicated number, 07586 067 499.