How GMP plan to make women feel safe in Manchester city centre

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Undercover police officers will now be patrolling the streets, bars, and nightspots in Manchester in an effort to protect women from sexual predators and individuals who spike drinks. This initiative, known as Safer Streets, will see a combination of plainclothes and uniformed police officers working together to ensure the safety of women in the city. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is spearheading this operation to reduce sex attacks, harassment, spiking, and voyeurism, with the goal of making women feel secure in their surroundings.

Supt Nicola Williams, who oversees the city center, emphasized the importance of preventing women from becoming victims of heinous crimes like rape. Following the success of the initial phase of the Safer Streets program, which led to a 50% reduction in reported rape incidents between December 2023 and March 2025, GMP is determined to further enhance safety measures throughout Manchester. Despite the impending conclusion of government funding for the scheme, GMP’s city center division has allocated £500,000 from internal funds to continue the operation, with plans to expand its reach to include the Northern Quarter and Canal Street.

Collaboration among GMP, Manchester City Council, the University of Manchester, and local establishment owners is vital in combating violence against women and girls in the city. Bar staff are undergoing training to identify potential issues such as drink-spiking and to encourage prompt reporting to the authorities. Deputy leader of Manchester City Council, Joanna Midgley, echoed the sentiment of ensuring a safe environment for women at night, emphasizing that individual businesses have a collective interest in enhancing the safety and security of women in the city. It is imperative that proactive measures are taken to safeguard the well-being of women and promote a culture of vigilance within the community

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