Police are working with door staff to identify individuals who may pose a risk to “lone or vulnerable females” after it emerged that 40% of women do not feel safe walking alone in St Helier at night.
The figures, released as part of the Jersey Opinions & Lifestyle Survey, show women feel disproportionately unsafe in St Helier compared to other areas.
It revealed that only 24% of women in rural parishes, and 25% in suburban areas reported feeling unsafe – compared to 40% of women in town.
Pictured: The proportion of adults who felt very safe in their neighbourhood has decreased since 2022.
The survey, which collected data from about 1,200 islanders, also showed that only 34% of St Helier residents consider their neighbourhood to be ‘very safe’ – compared to 71% of those in rural parishes.
The data also indicated an island-wide decline in those feeling safe walking alone at night – from 85% in 2022, to 81% in 2024.
The drop was more pronounced among women – with the figure falling from 77% in 2022, to 70% in 2024.
What is the parish doing to address this?
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft said that the figures were higher in town than in rural areas due to the presence of bars and nightclubs, but emphasised that safety in St Helier remained a priority.
He said: “Jersey’s capital and home to the majority of the island’s evening economy venues, therefore, it is reasonable to assume that the figures will be higher than in rural parishes which may have very few if any such venues.
“However, everyone who comes to St Helier at whatever time of day has the right to feel safe. St Helier Honorary Police Officers alongside officers from the States of Jersey Police conduct regular patrols throughout our town in the evening to ensure that law and order is being maintained.
“Unfortunately there are from time to time offences including assaults, many of which are fuelled by excessive consumption of alcohol.
“Apart from the harm caused to victims these offences add to the perception that St Helier is unsafe; compared to other towns of a similar size, however, our town is a safe place to visit.
“My team also frequently collaborates with the States of Jersey Police, Jersey Youth Service, and other agencies to assist them in ensuring the safety of islanders.
“Everyone who comes to St Helier at whatever time of day has the right to feel safe.”
St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft
“These references collectively highlight the significant role of the States of Jersey Police in maintaining public trust, ensuring safety, and addressing serious issues such as violence against women and safeguarding vulnerable individuals.”
What are the police doing to make women feel safer?
When asked to comment on the figures and provide an update on work done in town to help with safety at night, the police said they have increased their presence in town, particularly at weekends, with officers focusing on crime prevention and public safety in the night-time economy.
A spokesperson said: “The States of Jersey Police prioritise the night-time economy, particularly in crime prevention and public safety, by increasing the number of officers patrolling central St Helier at weekends and those officers are highly visible and pay special attention to lone or vulnerable females to ensure their safety.
“The St Helier Honorary Police also work closely with us in this area.”
They continued: “We collaborate closely with licensed premises and door staff to identify individuals who may pose a risk to lone or vulnerable females and take immediate action to safeguard the public.
“We will continue to work hard in this area with partners to improve this statistic further.
“The data underscores the importance of community engagement and education to raise awareness about the seriousness of all forms of violence against women and girls.”
New policing plan to strengthen protection for women
The latest four-year Policing Plan – published by the Jersey Police Authority this week – highlighted tackling violence against women and girls as one of its key areas of focus.
The document outlined plans to introduce specialised training, dedicated units, improved reporting mechanisms, awareness campaigns, and collaboration with the Law Officers’ Department.
Police chief Robin Smith said: “Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) has been prioritised through the development of clear strategies and plans that align with the National Operating Model for Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) and working with our partners in the Law Officers’ Department on the Domestic Abuse Action Plan.
“We will take this work forward in 2025, making greater strides to protect the vulnerable in our community.”
