Liverpool launches ‘Halo Points’ to improve safety in nightlife hotspots
Merseyside Police has launched a network of designated “Halo Points” across Liverpool city centre as part of efforts to improve safety in the night-time economy and tackle violence against women and girls.
The nine clearly marked locations, introduced under Operation Halo, are positioned across key nightlife areas including Concert Square and Mathew Street. They are designed to provide immediate support for anyone feeling unsafe or vulnerable during a night out.
Each point offers direct access to emergency assistance via 999 and is linked to City Watch CCTV, allowing rapid intervention from police officers or trained staff where required.
The initiative builds on the earlier introduction of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Champions across Liverpool venues, with trained staff intended to help identify vulnerability, challenge harmful behaviour and respond to incidents such as spiking.
Police said the development of Halo Points followed a strategic assessment which identified busy nightlife locations and high-footfall areas as places where VAWG-related offences were more likely to occur.
The scheme reflects a broader move towards prevention-focused policing in town and city centres, with forces increasingly combining visible reassurance measures with traditional patrol and enforcement activity.
PC Frank Stevens, who developed the idea, said the points were intended both to provide reassurance and to deter offenders.
He said: “These highly visible points provide immediate reassurance and access to support for anyone who feels vulnerable, while acting as a strong deterrent to offenders.”
The initiative is being funded through the Home Office-backed Hyper-Local Policing Fund and delivered in partnership with Liverpool City Council and businesses operating within the city’s night-time economy.
Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell said the project formed part of wider work to strengthen prevention and improve public confidence in Liverpool city centre.
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