POLICE are introducing an initiative in Camborne and Redruth to gain a better understanding of where women feel unsafe and why as part of their bid to improve safety in the town.

‘Walk and Talk’ encourages women to chat with officers about their experiences and insights, showing them things or locations which cause them to feel unsafe.

The aim of this is to ensure police activity remains relevant and targeted to tackle community concerns by strengthening understanding about how environments within the town are experienced by women.

PS Alice McKinnon, who is leading the initiative in the town, said: “Whether it’s to do with poor lighting or antisocial behaviour in an area, we want to want to know about it.

“The safety of women and girls remains an absolute priority for us.

“This isn’t about asking women to solve the problem, but about us listening to the ‘why’ so that us as police can work effectively within our teams and alongside our partners, like the local council, to look at these issues and devise a plan to tackle them.”

The Walk and Talk scheme is open to women over the age of 18. Individuals in Camborne and Redruth who want to take part are asked to email: [email protected].

A female police officer or police community support officer will then reach out to organise a walk in the neighbourhood, lasting around 30 minutes in total.

PS McKinnon added: “Our hope is that this scheme will enable us to make lasting, sustainable and meaningful change within the town to make our spaces safer for everyone.”

Police and crime commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “I welcome any initiative that will help women of all ages feel safer when out and about because they should not have to live their lives in fear.

“This work will further strengthen the work that is carried out by my office as part of the Street Focus Camborne project to improve safety and address issues such as antisocial behaviour.

“I would encourage anyone to say where they don’t feel safe and request a Walk and Talk.”