EFFORTS to make the streets of Oxford safer for women and girls have been given a boost by a £426,000 grant to improve security around clubs and bars at night.
Measures including nightclub 'safe zones', more CCTV cameras and outdoor phone charging stations, will be introduced with the aim of preventing violence in known trouble spots around the city centre.
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The Government funding was secured by a bid in its Safer Streets scheme from the Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber to claim a share of a £23.5m pot.
In 2018-2019, 73 serious sexual offences were committed by strangers in Oxford, with this figure rising to 88 offences in 2019-2020.
Seventy-five per cent of these cases were crimes against women and most commonly, female victims were targeted after leaving nightclubs and while travelling home alone.
As a result of this, as part of the safer streets scheme in Oxford, two 'safe zones' will be created in Park End Street and Hythe Bridge Street – which are both popular nightclub areas – and the Cornmarket area.
They will act as a space between nightclubs and home where people can organise and wait for a safe journey home.
They will also include mobile phone charging points to allow people to charge their phones, as well as enhanced CCTV and improved lighting.
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A total of 20 new CCTV cameras will be installed in the overall scheme as well as 35 lighting upgrades.
To improve feelings of safety and improve visibility, some shrubbery and street furniture will be removed which will make it easier to recognise people on CCTV, deterring perpetrators.
Another new safety measure set to be introduced in the city are 'safe walks'.
These will see dedicated high visibility teams who will help guide those walking alone from a central location to an end point.
They will be connected to a wider network, working with the universities and student groups on student safety initiatives.
So-called 'safe havens' will also be set up providing specific locations for people who do not feel safe and need support during the evening and early morning.
The project will be carried out over the coming months, with most measures expected to be installed early in 2022.
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Oxford city councillor Louise Upton, cabinet member for a safer, healthier Oxford, said: “The safer streets funding is much needed investment and is a commitment that local authorities in Oxford and Oxfordshire are taking women’s concerns seriously.
"Not only will these measures protect women and girls, but they will have benefits for all those who are vulnerable to violence and other predatory behaviour.
“By enhancing current schemes, and introducing new measures to further protect our women and girls, we want everyone to be able to travel to their homes safely, free from harassment and harm.”
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