New app to help safety in the streets

A new personal safety app has been launched in Maidstone as part of ongoing efforts to tackle violent crimes against women and girls.

WalkSafe is free to download and, as of Friday 12 September, will help users locate safe spaces in Maidstone with ease and quickly report incidents or safety concerns.

Safer journeys

Residents and visitors of the county town can use the app’s ‘Safety Map’ to plan the safest route while travelling through the area. Journeys can be shared with friends and family, and the app sends automatic alerts if the user does not arrive home on time.

The map lists venues, such as bars and restaurants, which are part of the One Maidstone BCRP-accredited Safe Spaces Scheme. These sites make use of initiatives such as ‘Ask For Angela’, whereby asking for ‘Angela’ is a discreet way of asking for help.

Emergency alerts

The app, which has been introduced in partnership with One Maidstone BID and Switch Youth Services, also includes an SOS button that can be pressed if users are in distress and alerts pre-approved friends or family members of their live location.

Officers secured funding for WalkSafe so that anyone living in or visiting Maidstone can download and benefit from the personal safety app for free.

PC Lauren Snoek, who is leading the initiative, said:

‘We strive to create a safer Maidstone for everyone to enjoy; part of this includes work to prevent and reduce violent crimes against women and girls. ‘WalkSafe not only arms users with information and tools to keep them safe but helps trusted friends and family keep track of their loved ones to make sure they get home safely. ‘When users make reports via the app, we are given greater insight into types of offences being committed and potential crime hotspots, so we can better focus our resources. The information also helps WalkSafe more accurately identify the safest routes. ‘Alongside increased foot patrols, higher visibility policing, and continued work with partners, the WalkSafe initiative will help in our ongoing efforts to make our community safer.’

A spokesperson for WalkSafe said:

‘Eighty-one per cent of women who visit pubs, clubs and bars consider their safety when getting home. ‘WalkSafe is thrilled to be plotting Maidstone’s safety initiatives on one easy to use safety app.’

Source: Kent Police
Picture credit: WalkSafe