The Flare App results in increased patrols in Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire Police launched the app three months ago and it's been downloaded nearly 2,000 times
Last updated 8th Mar 2022
Flare, the anonymous reporting app, which was launched three months ago has resulted in conversations within Gloucestershire about women's safety and officers increasing patrols.
The app, which has been downloaded nearly 2000 times, has received numerous reports at various locations in the county, ranging from being stared at to serious sexual assault.
Police have noted a number of reports coming from a popular dog walking area and increased their presence nearby with Neighbourhood Policing Teams on patrol.
Another area that has seen higher numbers of reports was close to the University campus. The Flare team have worked in partnership with the University Safeguarding lead to remind students of appropriate behaviours, safety and the support that is available.
The app is available to anyone and allows the user to anonymously report to police and partner agencies when and where they feel unsafe. From street harassment like being stared at or catcalled all the way through to drink spiking and sexual touching - all can be reported through Flare. The data being collected through the app will continue to be used to make Gloucestershire safer.
Assistant Chief Constable Rhiannon Kirk, the Constabulary's lead for Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls, said: "We are really pleased to hear all the positive feedback we have received from people using the app.
"Particularly women and young girls have said what a great idea they think the app is"
"The more information we have on the everyday violence and intimidation women suffer, the more we can target our policing approach and help make women feel safer - and remind any offenders that we take these types of crimes very seriously. "We're finding out about incidents that never before would have been reported to police. We're grateful to every person who has downloaded the app and sent off a flare, we are listening"
The Flare app can be downloaded onto a smartphone by visiting http://www.flarereport.co.uk. Flare is not a means for reporting crime and this can be done by the usual channels of calling 999 in the case of an emergency, or phoning 101 or online for non-emergency crimes at https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/soh/seen-or-heard/