Lincolnshire: Ask for Angela founder proud of global impact

Insp Hayley Crawford launched Ask for Angela in 2016

A police officer who founded a safety campaign said she was "extremely proud" it is now used around the world.

Insp Hayley Crawford introduced Ask for Angela when she worked for Lincolnshire County Council in 2016.

It allows people being harassed in pubs, clubs and bars to request help from staff by asking for their fictitious colleague Angela.

The system is now used in countries including Australia, Canada and the United States.

The campaign was set up by Ms Crawford when she worked in sexual violence prevention for Lincolnshire in 2016.

Nathan Esse, assistant manager at The Strait and Narrow, described Ask for Angela as a "safety net"

Nathan Esse, assistant manager of The Strait and Narrow in Lincoln said: "For years and years people have sometimes encountered poor behaviour from others and haven't really known what to do.

"So it's really nice to have a safety net in a bar where you're having a drink and where you might feel vulnerable to actually go and get some help," Mr Esse added.

Ask for Angela is now widely used in pubs and bars across the UK.

Venues can display stickers to let customers know they are taking part in the campaign

In 2022, Ms Crawford was presented with a National Pubwatch Award in the House of Lords for devising the campaign.

The award recognises an outstanding contribution made by a police officer or police staff member in supporting the national scheme to create safer licensed premises.

Ms Crawford said she was "extremely proud" the initiative is being used in other parts of the world.

"I'm really pleased that people have taken it up and it's just nice to know that this scheme is in place," Ms Crawford said.