Extra police – including undercover officers – will be drafted in to help protect women and girls in Manchester as the city’s nightlife gears up for the festive season
Undercover police officers are being drafted in to help protect women and girls in Manchester city centre this winter.
The move comes as police see an increase in violence against women and girls in the city. They say the rise is linked to an expanding student population of 100,000 from three large universities, with many heading into town every weekend.
Alongside uniformed officers, they will patrol bars, streets and popular nightlife spots as part of a plan to keep woman safe in the city. They will also intervene if it is deemed necessary.
Over the past two years similar operations by the force has led to a reduction of rape offending by 50 per cent. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) announcement comes days after the Angiolini women’s safety report was released which looked into the murder of Sarah Everard.
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Sarah, a 33-year-old marketing executive, was abducted by Wayne Couzens as she walked home from a pal’s house in south London in March 2021. He had used his status as a police officer to trick Ms Everard into thinking he could arrest her for breaking lockdown rules.
After Couzens was found guilty of murder, rape and kidnap, the Angiolini inquiry was launched to investigate how an officer was able to carry out the brutal attack.
It was also set up to examine how to prevent sexual crimes against women in public spaces. Her mother, Susan Everard, told the inquiry how she is still tormented by her daughter’s death.
Mrs Everard’s heartbreaking statement said: “I read that you shouldn’t let a tragedy define you, but I feel that Sarah’s death is such a big part of me that I’m surprised there is no outer sign of it, no obvious mark of grief. I have been changed by it, but there is nothing to see. Outwardly we live our normal lives, but there is an inner sadness.”
The mum added: “When I think of her, I can’t get past the horror of her last hours. I am still tormented by the thought of what she endured.”
Lady Elish Angiolini’s report found that sexually motivated crimes against women in public do not get the same response as other high-priority crimes. And she criticised the lack of action from the country’s police forces to counter violence against women.
Greater Manchester Police said of their extra patrols: “We’re working to make Manchester’s vibrant nightlife safer through our dedicated initiative to protect women and girls in the night-time economy. Our local police teams across Greater Manchester will be supporting the ‘Winter of Action’…
“Manchester city centre is one of the fastest growing in Europe, with a thriving night-time economy. As well as residents, workers and tourists, we have three large universities with over 100,000 students, many of whom gravitate towards our city centre on a Friday or Saturday night. This growth has seen increases in VAWG offences.”
They say officers will “intervene with vulnerable people, disrupt predatory behaviour, and make safeguarding referrals where needed.”
Superintendent Nicola Williams, of our City of Manchester district, said: “Our dedicated actions show our determination to protect women and girls, disrupt offenders, and ensure everyone can enjoy Manchester’s nightlife safely.
“We already have increased patrols across the city on Friday and Saturday nights to help ensure women and girls can feel safe in the night-time economy.
“We know thousands of residents and visitors enjoy Manchester’s nightlife week in week out, and if you are out and about you will continue to see our officers on hand to provide reassurance and security in the coming weeks.
“Winter brings its own set of challenges: harsh weather, school holidays, busier high streets, and an increase in social gatherings – all of which can contribute to different types of crime.
“Working closely with partners across our force area, we remain committed to serving the public to the highest standard.
“From stepping up proactive patrols during the Christmas markets to focusing on hotspots highlighted by residents, we’re making sure resources are deployed where they’re needed most.”
