PUBLICANS have been urged to keep an ear out for potential victims of domestic violence.
PC Harry Marsh, from Barnard Castle Police, asked members of Teesdale Pubwatch whether they knew what to do when someone “asked for Angela” behind the bar. It rang a bell with some of the panel – but not everyone.
The “Ask for Angela” scheme was first introduced in Lincolnshire in 2016 and is designed to encourage people to discreetly ask for help from bar staff in they find themselves feeling unsafe.
If they ask for Angela, staff can contact the authorities or diffuse the situation without causing alarm or putting a vulnerable person in peril.
PC Marsh said: “Basically, it relates to a lot of licensed premises where victims of domestic violence or women who suffer threats are approached and feel they’re not in a position to call the police themselves because that would be making it obvious.
“If they go to the bar and ask for Angela, that’s meant to be a red flag that a person needs help.
“It’s a very clever thing just in case women or younger women get caught out in places or stranded in a corner.”
The initial idea was introduced in the East Midlands as a poster and National Pubwatch has now adopted the scheme. Teesdale Pubwatch chairman Morris Race hoped the group’s wider efforts could make Barnard Castle and Teesdale a nicer place to go out. He added: “It’s trying to be a deterrent so most people can go out, feel comfortable and not be frightened of bother.”
Crime statistics show there were 14 cases of violence or sexual assault in Barnard Castle in March. County Durham figures released in December showed violent crimes with no injury were up 86 per cent since the last survey with sexual offences up 21 per cent.
However, an increase in people coming forward and reporting crime has often been earmarked as part of the reason for the rise.
PC Marsh said he’d have more information on the “Ask Angela” scheme at the next Pubwatch meeting.
