'Walk and talk' events to target women's safety

Women are being offered the chance of going for an evening walk with a police officer so their worries and concerns can be listened to.

A series of Walk and Talk events have been organised by Northamptonshire Police, to cover the eastern part of the county including Rushden, Oundle, Thrapston, Raunds, Higham Ferrers and Irthlingborough.

The force said it was the "brainchild" of neighbourhood officer Sgt Leigh Françoise and was for any women over the age of 18 who lives or works in the area.

She said the 30-minute strolls could take place in areas where women felt "vulnerable" so the force could get a "real sense of what people's thoughts are".

"Women who take part in our Walk & Talk events will be able to share their views and experiences with officers as they walk through any areas they may feel vulnerable in," she said.

"Patrols can take place at any location, including those where there is less footfall, traffic and light, so officers can get a real sense of what people's thoughts are.

"Tackling violence against women and girls is a priority for Northamptonshire Police and that means really listening to their worries and concerns, and then doing whatever we can to address them."

They will take place on 9 and 30 January, 10 and 28 February, 12 and 27 March, and 7 and 24 April.

Anyone who wants to join in is asked to email the neighbourhood team.

Other Walk and Talk initiatives have taken place after the scheme was started by London's Metropolitan Police Service in 2021 following the kidnap and killing of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer — a case which sparked more debate about women's safety.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.