Extra security guards brought in to patrol Southampton after dark after spate of crimes

The personnel, funded by the city’s BID, will act as a deterrent to potential criminals between 9pm and 5am.

Extra safety measures piloted until the end of March were originally funded by the Government and organised by the BID and the city council's Violence Reduction Unit.

The funding has ended but the new measures will continue and now play a “significant role” in the city’s campaign to achieve international Purple Flag.

The award recognises cities as safe destinations for visitors and residents.

It comes after a spate of incidents in the city.

This includes a stabbing in Palmerston Park in February at 3am, and an attempted murder investigation in Above Bar Street after three people were injured.

As reported, venues including One Oxford, Café Parfait, and Switch have also said they are providing customers with drink protectors and have increased security in a bid to prevent spiking.

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Rebecca Handley, Interim Executive Director at the BID, named GO! Southampton, said: “It’s so important that everyone across Southampton can feel safe at any time of the day, and thanks to support from the Home Office, we have been able to fund these safety pilot schemes across the city.

Photo by Ryan Stanikk

“Southampton is a safe city, but we want to ensure we are doing all we can to provide security, assistance and peace of mind for visitors and residents alike.

"Receiving Purple Flag status will be a fantastic achievement for the city and put Southampton on the map as an exciting, thriving and safe place to visit in the evening.”

The BID has teamed up with the city council and other groups to apply for Purple Flag status.

Southampton District Commander, Chief Inspector Ricky Dhanda said: “We are working really hard as a collective to bring the Purple Flag status to Southampton and reassure people that Southampton is a safe city.

"This is a fantastic scheme and collectively strengthens our aim to make Southampton safer.

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“Whilst we as the police have a hugely important role to play in making Southampton safer, our city partners do an extraordinary amount of work to help people too.

"Southampton City Council, GO! Southampton, the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit, Yellow Door, The Hampton Trust, Solent University, University of Southampton, Street Pastors and St John’s Ambulance staff are all working towards keeping people safe, alongside us, day and night.

Photo by Ryan Stanikk

“We’re supporting the extra security patrols and security staff with our own operations on Friday and Saturday nights by providing a clear presence around bars and clubs, identifying those who need our help and identifying perpetrators to make early interventions to prevent crime from taking place.”

All photos by Ryan Stanikk

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