Women and girls’ safety remains key focus in Wrexham city this summer

Improving the safety of women and girls in Wrexham city centre remains a key priority for North Wales Police this summer.

Through Operation Virtue, Wrexham city officers are working with partners to tackle incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG) through education, crime prevention and raising awareness of ongoing campaigns.

The initiative encourages people to challenge misogynistic behaviour and take a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment of women to ensure everyone feels safe when visiting and working in the city centre.

It also aims to empower women to report all incidents, increase public awareness and challenging harmful attitudes.

Superintendent Mark Williams said: “A safer city starts long before a crime is reported.

“It starts with education about unacceptable behaviour, taking practical, visible action to make sure women feel safe and creating environments where women are respected, supported and protected.

“We hope to empower communities to challenge harassment, support victims and report concerns before behaviours escalate.

“By tackling the inequality that underpins VAWG, we can create a city centre in which women and girls do not become victims in the first place. However, solving the issue is up to all of us.”

What is Operation Virtue?

Operation Virtue is the umbrella name for a number of projects, initiatives and ongoing work across Wrexham city centre to prevent incidents of violence against women and girls (VAWG).

Tackling VAWG offences is one of the top priorities for North Wales Police and improving public trust and confidence in the police response is key.

What is VAWG?

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is any form of violence disproportionately perpetrated by men against women and girls – although men can also experience violence or abuse.

It is linked to women’s inequality and includes sexual violence, domestic abuse, stalking and harassment, public and work-based sexual harassment, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and so-called ‘honour-based’ abuse, exploitation and abuse of women and girls in online spaces.

What’s happening as part of Op Virtue?

Here is all the work being carried out by officers across Wrexham city:

North Wales Women’s Night Safety Charter

The initiative is designed to improve the safety for all women out in Wrexham city centre at night.

It was launched by Wrexham County Borough Council and supported by North Wales Police.

It will support venues to create safer spaces for women at night and invites local businesses to take a zero-tolerance approach to the harassment of women.

North Wales Police and Wrexham AFC VAWG working group

NWP Operational Football Officers (OFOs) meet quarterly with the club’s safeguarding officer to continually review and strengthen the matchday policing approach.

Discussions include new campaigns, education and prevention work, training for matchday staff to help them recognise signs of harassment or abuse, and proactive operations to target VAWG-related behaviour.

Safeguarding Car

The safeguarding car is used across Wrexham city for a range of safeguarding purposes, particularly to support younger fans and women on matchdays.

Night-time economy patrols

Wrexham officers regularly carry out high visibility patrols and partnership working with licensed premises, security and Wrexham Council on Friday and Saturday evenings to provide reassurance for women visiting or working in the city at night and to ensure the city centre is a welcoming and safe place to live, work and visit.

Engagement

Officers to hold city-centre events and surveys focused on women’s safety.

The feedback we receive helps us better understand concerns within our communities and allows us to work towards making Wrexham a safer place for everyone.

Views are important and help shape future patrols, initiatives, and problem-solving work within the city.

Supporting local running clubs

Officers are helping to create a safer and more inclusive environment for women exercising in the city through supporting running clubs to ensure women feel confident to run without fear of their safety.

Taxi driver education

Officers are working in partnership with Wrexham Council to educate taxi drivers on the “Ask Angela” campaign and recognise signs of drink spiking, sexual abuse and domestic abuse.

Hafan- y-Dre

Hafan y Dref is a welfare centre in Wrexham that offers a safe space for individuals who may be vulnerable or unwell during a night out.

Education in schools

From September 2026, North Wales Police School Liaison Officers will be delivering anti-misogyny and VAWG education programmes st schools.

Street Wardens

North Wales Police and Wrexham Council are looking to introduce an additional level of reassurance for those enjoying the nighttime amenities on weekends.

Night-time bus service

Discussions continue with Wrexham Council about the introduction of a night-time bus service to help women and girls travel home safely.

How do I report an incident to police?

If you have been a victim of a VAWG offence, or if you have any concerns while out in the city centre, please contact North Wales Police via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report an incident to online.

How else can I get help?

You can also get in touch with:

Live Fear Free

If you, a family member a friend, or someone you are concerned about has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline 24 hours a day 7 days a week, for free advice and support or to talk through your options.

Get in touch with Live Fear Free advisors free of charge.

Women’s Aid

If you need help and support, you can get in touch with Women’s Aid.

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is a discreet way to ask for support if you need it for any reason.

By asking for “Angela”, you can let people know quickly, quietly and without fuss that you need help.

How it works

1. Ask for “Angela” at a participating venue or organisation.
2. Staff recognise it as a request for help.
3. Support is provided discreetly, in the way you want it. This may be help to leave, being supported to stay, contacting security or escalating where needed.

More information is available on the Ask for Angela official UK website.

Superintendent Williams added:”We hope to create an environment where every woman can enjoy a night out or go to work without concerns for their safety or feeling harassed.

“There are many situations where women can be made to feel uncomfortable, and some behaviours are too often dismissed as ‘banter’. This might include comments directed at hospitality staff, leary or inappropriate gestures or unwanted attention.

“We encourage people to reflect on their own behaviour, challenge that of others, and consider how their actions may affect those around them.

“While VAWG offences are committed by a minority, their impact reaches far beyond those directly involved.

“National conversations and high-profile incidents influence how safe women and girls feel in their daily lives, and it’s vital that communities work together to create environments where everyone feels respected, supported and safe.”

Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Wrexham Council’s Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Champion, said: “Every woman should be able to come into Wrexham city centre and feel safe.

“We’re really pleased to be working with partners on initiatives like the Women’s Night Safety Charter, educating taxi drivers, providing street wardens and educating young people in our schools.

“All of these things can make a real difference, and it’s important that we don’t rest on our laurels and keep working hard to improve the safety of women and girls in our city.”