On Friday 24th July, Coventry BID officers joined colleagues from West Midlands Police for Operation Vigilant, a joint initiative focused on enhancing safety across Coventry's night-time economy.
The operation brought together Coventry BID and West Midlands Police to undertake a coordinated evening of proactive activity aimed at supporting businesses, safeguarding the public and promoting a safe and welcoming city centre.
As part of the operation, undercover West Midlands Police officers carried out Ask for Angela visits to a number of licensed premises across the city centre. The visits formed part of the ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the nationally recognised safeguarding initiative, helping to ensure venue staff are equipped to support anyone who may feel vulnerable or require assistance during a night out.
The operation also provided an opportunity to reinforce the importance of safeguarding within Coventry's night-time economy.
Throughout the evening, Coventry BID's Street Patrol officers maintained a highly visible presence across the city centre, engaging with businesses, supporting visitors and remaining alert to safeguarding concerns. Officers monitored for vulnerable individuals, including potential victims of domestic abuse or exploitation, while providing reassurance and assistance wherever required.
Operation Vigilant also highlighted the value of partnership working. The participating West Midlands Police officer commented that taking part in the operation had given her a much greater understanding of the wider role Coventry BID plays in supporting the night-time economy. In addition to the visible patrols, the BID delivers a wide range of initiatives designed to improve safety and reduce crime across the city centre.
These include:
▪️Best Bar None accreditation.
▪️Crime Reduction Partnership meetings.
▪️Night Time Economy partnership meetings.
▪️Intelligence sharing through the SentrySIS platform.
▪️Work to identify and manage prolific offenders.
▪️The provision and maintenance of public access defibrillators and bleed kits.
▪️Ongoing engagement with businesses to promote safer venues and improve the visitor experience.
The officer also highlighted how valuable it was to learn more about the partnership work undertaken by Coventry BID and the resources available to support businesses and partner agencies. The operation created an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and strengthen collaborative working between Coventry BID and West Midlands Police.
Coventry BID would like to thank West Midlands Police and all of the businesses that engaged positively during Operation Vigilant. By continuing to work together, we can help ensure Coventry remains a safe, welcoming and vibrant city for businesses, employees, residents and visitors alike.
