Force urges licensed premises to act on domestic abuse during Euro 2024

Data from the force shows that 90 per cent of the domestic abuse committed in the Square Mile happens outside the home, in hotels, bars and on the street. This is unlike any police force area in the country, it says.

City of London Police Commander Umer Khan said: “We want everyone to enjoy the football, and we hope that England can win the tournament and lift the nation. Sadly, what’s often unseen and away from the pitch, is the increase of domestic abuse offences that are reported during major football events. Preventing domestic abuse is a year-round priority and there is never an excuse to commit abuse at home or in hotels, bars and pubs.

“As public establishments and gathering spots, Licensed premises play a crucial role in the community during international football tournaments and early intervention by staff can prevent domestic violence and other crimes.

“Our White Ribbon Accreditation shows our commitment to preventing violence by men against women and girls. We will relentlessly pursue offenders of all acts of violence against women and girls, create safer spaces and build trust and confidence in policing.”

City of London Police wants hotels, bars and other licenced premises to follow a few guidelines:

• Staff should not ignore acts of violence or abuse. Police will always attend reports of domestic violence;
• The premises should allocate a staff member to stay with the victim in a private area. Always believe the victim – listen, reassure and try not to judge;
• Premises should have a staff member allocated to meet with police and/or ambulance staff on arrival;
• Premises should make a written record with as much detail as possible, if the victim refuses to remain there. This includes what was said, what was heard, descriptions, injuries etc; and
• Premises should have secure CCTV.

City of London Police says football should not be an excuse for domestic abuse and for many, Euro 2024 will be an opportunity to cheer on the players and bring the country together.

However, research from National Centre for Domestic Violence indicates that domestic abuse incidents can spike during significant football tournaments, often exacerbated by heightened emotions and alcohol consumption.

Data commissioned by Budweiser following England’s Lionesses success in Euro 2022, revealed that 57 per cent of women are now more likely to head out to a pub to watch a match.

City of London Police said it wants to ensure people feel safe watching the tournament in the square mile and reduce violence against women and girls and acquisitive crime.

Initiatives include:

• Increased licensing patrols, testing the temperature of venues showing the football and making sure they are aware of Ask for Angela;
• Targeting hot spots and visible patrols during the tournament;
• Launch of new spiking reporting web page – 5,000 drink toppers will be delivered to licensed premises and officers will remind bar staff of what to do if someone reports a drink spiking;
• Sharing information at a licensing event with 150 managers, including our ask around reporting domestic violence quickly; and
• The ‘Walk and Talk’ scheme, where women visiting, working or living in the City of London can ‘walk and talk’ with an officer, to share their thoughts on safety and about areas which they have concerns about.

The City of London Police’s cycle team will help patrol the city’s streets over during Euro 2024. The cycle response unit is highly visible, approachable and able to quickly get through areas inaccessible to vehicles and will help to deter and detect criminals, as well as provide visible reassurance to the public.

Also, Project Servator and counter terrorist officers will be using overt and covert tactics to keep people safe at large gatherings, including outdoor venues showing the football.

Chair of the City of London Police Authority Board, Tijs Broeke, said: “The Euros are a great time for people to come together and enjoy the tournament in the city’s outstanding pubs and bars.

“But sadly, we know that during the football, violence against women increases.

“We want everyone in the city to not only be safe, but also feel safe, and our hospitality businesses can play a leading role tackling this heinous crime.”

City of London Police also warns that the larger footfall in the city will increase the opportunities for criminals to target people’s property.

It said: “The force’s phone snatching operation has led to the crime being reduced since 2022. Bags and coats left unattended at pubs also give rise to expensive personal belongings being stolen.”