Safeguarding Success – Suspicious Males Attempting to Present Vulnerable Female as Partner

Two males initially attempted entry to the venue but were refused after staff felt “something was off” about their behaviour. Around two hours later, the same males returned. This time, one of them was holding the hand of a female and trying to present as if they were a couple.

On reaching the door, the female immediately asked door staff for help.

The venue team:

• Allowed the female inside to safeguard her and refused entry to the two males.

• Provided welfare and reassurance to the female, who was upset and frightened.

• Established that she had left a venue further down the road and, while walking up the street, had her hand grabbed by the male, who tried to lead her away and claimed she was his girlfriend.

• Contacted their MSU, who took her home as she was too scared to walk alone.

• Called police, who attended within minutes and conducted a wide area search (no trace of the males at the time).

• Supplied BCRP with images for circulation.

We do not know the males’ exact intentions, but this is a strong example of early intervention preventing potential harm and creating a hostile environment for predatory behaviour.

The images of the males have been uploaded to our secure DISC system, if you are a member to the partnership, please log in to review the images.

Operational reminders for venues:

• Share clear descriptions and direction of travel over NightSafe radio when individuals are behaving suspiciously, even if no crime has yet occurred.

• Refuse entry where you have concerns about behaviour, especially around vulnerable or isolated customers.

• Safeguard potential victims first – bring them inside and offer support, then call MSU/police as appropriate.

• Where there are real concerns about predatory or sexually motivated behaviour, call police and create a DISC incident report so we can update briefings and support any ongoing investigations.

Thanks to the quick thinking and professional response of the venue team, a female was safeguarded and potential harm was prevented. This is exactly how our partnership should work in practice.