Charity set up to tackle crime in Guernsey night-time venues

Safety Net aims to educate the public, deter perpetrators of crime and support victims

A charity has been set up to help tackle sexual assault, harassment and drink-spiking in Guernsey.

The Safety Night-time Economy Team (Safety Net) said its aim was to get all licensed venues on the island on a "level-playing field" with measures to protect customers.

It said this would ensure "consistency for the public" across island venues.

The Committee for Home Affairs said it was supportive of the charity.

The team, which is made up of industry representatives and advocates, is holding a launch event next month to raise awareness of its aims.

'Introduce best practice'

Poppy Murray, Safety Net chair, said the group wanted to educate the public, deter perpetrators and support victims.

"We are actively looking to work in partnership with all night-time economy venues," she said.

"We know that some venues already have measures in place to try to protect their customers from these offences, however we are seeking to put all venues on a level playing field by introducing best practice guidelines across industry.

"This will ensure that there is consistency for the public when it comes to their safety, no matter where they are."

Deputy Rob Prow, president of the Committee for Home Affairs, said the committee was working closely with the group

He said: "We continue to be very conscious of the issues affecting public safety."

Representatives from all island venues have been encouraged to attend the launch event on 7 November at St James (Dorey Room) between 16:00 and 18:00.