Cheltenham Borough Council partners with Gloucestershire Constabulary to promote StreetSafe initiative

StreetSafe is a national tool created by the Home Office for people to pinpoint locations where they feel unsafe anonymously, using data to prevent violence against women and girls in Gloucestershire

Launched in 2021 by the Home Office, StreetSafe is a free and anonymous online tool that allows anyone to report public places where they have felt unsafe.

StreetSafe enables residents to pinpoint locations where they feel could have better lighting, to report vandalism, or unsettling experiences like harassment.

Available as both a browser version and an app, users can easily “pin” locations and provide detailed information about their concerns. This vital data is then utilised by the police and Crime and Community Safety Partnership (CBC) in Gloucestershire to prevent violence against women and girls.

How it works:

Visit the StreetSafe website or app to identify areas where you feel unsafe.
Describe the reasons for your concerns, such as being followed, being catcalled, or encountering poorly lit streets.
Participate in surveys to offer insights on local safety issues.

While StreetSafe is not intended for crime reporting, it serves as an invaluable resource for gathering community feedback and understanding local safety challenges. Residents are reminded to report crimes directly to the police online, by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

So far, feedback from the initiative has helped to enhance lighting in Sandford Park and install additional CCTV cameras on Regent Street.

Cllr Jamie Jamieson, cabinet member for safety and communities, said: “This revolutionary tool can help to transform the everyday lives and safety of women and girls in our community.

“From ensuring well-lit streets to encouraging girls to come forward about their experiences, this data can help the police to make changes around Gloucestershire for the better.”

James Wyatt, Chief Inspector for crime prevention at Gloucestershire Constabulary, said: “We want to hear about places you feel unsafe so we can make changes to those locations.”

“Your input is crucial in shaping local policing strategies and ensuring a safer Gloucestershire for all. Join us in this initiative by sharing your experiences and helping us build a safer community.”

In 2016, Cheltenham was first awarded Purple Flag status by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) in recognition of its excellent evening and night-time economy (ENTE). The award has been successfully maintained each year since then. The StreetSafe initiative is going to help the council engage more with the community to ensure our streets remain safe and make changes where there are concerns.

Cheltenham Borough Council also proudly ensures 100% of its licensed venues implement the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative, a nationwide programme designed to assist individuals who feel vulnerable during a night out, ensuring they receive the support they need. Individuals who feel unsafe, threatened, or vulnerable can discreetly approach venue staff and request "Angela." This phrase alerts staff that assistance is required.

If you’d like to report anonymously to StreetSafe, find the link to the website here.

Notes to editors:

StreetSafe is not for reporting crimes or emergencies. If you witness a crime, please report it to the police online. If you're unsure whether something is a crime or not, read their advice.

Cheltenham Borough Council partners with Gloucestershire Constabulary to promote StreetSafe initiative

StreetSafe is a national tool created by the Home Office for people to pinpoint locations where they feel unsafe anonymously, using data to prevent violence against women and girls in Gloucestershire

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