Retail group signs up for London Night Safety initiative

The charter has been created by the London Assembly and the mayor of the capital in an effort to help women feel welcome and confident in their local areas at night and the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is now backing it.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops operate in the heart of our communities.

“We make places safer for everyone through being open long hours, through the investments we make in the places we trade and through the professional and caring people who run and work in these stores.

“Around one third of convenience stores are open after 10pm when it is dark and the surrounding area is at its quietest which means people may feel more vulnerable.

“Through taking a few simple steps, local shops can contribute to helping women to feel safer at night.”

The charter includes pledges and practical steps that retailers can take to help women feel safer at night, including saying ‘hello’ to everyone who comes into the store, keeping it well-lit into the evening and engaging with the local community on social media.

As part of its support for the charter, ACS has developed a graphic highlighting four simple and practical steps that retailers can take to help people feel safer at night.

Rita King, joint chief executive of the Safer Business Network, said “We very much welcome this latest action spearheaded by the ACS to support the charter.

“Local shops play a vital role in their communities and are well placed to offer assistance to women who may be feeling vulnerable.

“We hope that many stores all over London will engage positively to help keep women safe at night.”