There is help available in Birmingham city centre
The neon sign leading you to Birmingham’s royal palace: Snobs(Image: Amy Gaffney)
Recent incidents in Birmingham city centre has left many people feeling anxious – some say they have to “think twice” before going there – whilst others have reported being especially afraid at night.
Yet with this has come a shared belief that fear cannot win, and with knowledge of the safety precautions the city has to offer, Midlands-based babs can continue having fun after the sun sets.
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Number 1: You can ask for drinks covers
Unfortunately, spiking continues to be an issue. In July, Counter Spike found that 15 per cent of people from the West Midlands have been spiked. They also found that 74 per cent of reported victims were women. As spiking often happens by drugs being put in your drink on the dancefloor, you can try to prevent this by asking for cup covers. Bars on Broad Street including Snobs, Walkabout and Rosies all offer this.
Read more: Simple steps every man can take to make women feel safer
Number 2: St Johns Ambulance safe spaces
Every Saturday inside The Arcadian centre, St Johns Ambulance host a safe space. Anyone can go there – whether you feel unsafe, you or your friend has been injured, it’s a judgement free zone designed to help.
Number 3: Stick with friends (or make some more)
When on a night out in Birmingham, try to stick with your friend – even better if you share your location with them. And if you want some more female friends, join one of the many girl-based groups in the city. There is @thespaceforgirls on Instagram, who host run clubs, book clubs, and craft classes. There is also @thegirlsclubbham, who do a similar thing.
Number 4: Report areas you find unsafe to StreetSafe
This platform lets you anonymously publish areas you find unsafe, and it automatically goes to the police. Nothing needs to have happened to you – the street can be too dark, or maybe you were followed. Remember that it is not for reporting crimes, and if you are in an emergency, call 999. Find street safe here .
Number 5: Ask for Angela
If you are feeling unsafe or uncomfortable in a bar or venue, go up to a member of staff and ask for “Angela”. Most bars know what it means, will take you to a safe space, and either help you leave, escort the person making you uncomfortable out, or call the police. To know if a venue will respond to “Angela”, look out for the posters in the bathrooms. And feel confident in using it – last year, Birmingham bars got 100 per cent on a secret Ask for Angela test.
In the case of non-emergencies, you can call West Midlands Police on 101.
The number for Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid is 0808 800 0028.
What do the police say?
A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We know that after recent events in Birmingham city centre, people are understandably worried.
“After Katie Fox tragically lost her life in a stabbing last weekend, we’re continuing to support her loved ones, and we arrested a man who has since been charged with her murder.
“In a separate incident last night, where a teenage boy was hurt in a stabbing in the city centre, we responded quickly, arrested five people, and we’re continuing to carry out a thorough investigation.
“We understand why these incidents have caused concern for visitors to the city – and people that live and work here.
“In response, we have increased our patrols in the city centre, as whether you’re out and about enjoying Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market, shopping, or working, we want the city centre to be a safe and welcoming place for you.
“High-visibility patrols have been stepped up, and so this evening you should expect to see more officers out and about in key locations around the city centre.
“That will continue, around the clock, over the coming days.”