Police launch scheme to make women feel safer in Leeds suburb

The scheme allows women to go on a walk with officers and point out areas of concern

Left, Rachel Smith, right, Amy Matthews
Author: Katie LyonsPublished 16th Apr 2024

West Yorkshire Police has launched a pilot scheme, which invites women to meet with local Neighbourhood Police Officers and PCSOs to show them areas where they feel vulnerable or unsafe in their local communities.

It's currently taking place, in Pudsey and Farsley in Leeds and if the scheme is successful, it could be rolled out across other areas of West Yorkshire.

The ‘Walk and Talk’ takes around one hour and can take place at any time - on a date available for those participating.

So far, certain areas of concern have been raised, including overgrown hedges in a ginnel, which have now been cut back.

Ginnel in Farsley

Someone has also raised concern over the lighting in a local park, the police are in the process of improving this, along side the council.

Detective Chief Inspective Carl Morrison said: "What this is, it's about that personal meaningful conversation with local woman, rather than that distance based communication."

He also said: "It's not about us the police, thinking we ultimately know what these issues are, but we need to factor in that local persons voice, and work in accordance with that along with our specialist knowledge as well."

To take part you can email ld.walkandtalk@westyorkshire.police.uk.

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