As London prepares to host an unprecedented number of large-scale music events this summer, we must address the increasing concerns surrounding the safety of female concertgoers. With over three million attendees expected across venues like Wembley Stadium and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, security protocols must evolve to meet this growing demand. The Metropolitan Police, in collaboration with concert organisers and city officials, has launched a comprehensive public safety initiative targeting violence against women and girls (VAWG) at concerts.
A New Era of Concert Security in London
This summer, 51 concerts across London will benefit from a stepped-up police presence. More than 5,000 officer shifts have been allocated to these events. Marking the Met’s most significant effort to date in safeguarding female attendees. These officers are not limited to the perimeters of event venues. They will also patrol key transit corridors between transport hubs and concert sites, ensuring women and girls safety is paramount and they feel protected from the moment they leave home until their safe return.
Key Features of the Metropolitan Police Strategy for Women and Girls Safety
- High-visibility patrols inside and outside venues
- Plain-clothed officers embedded in crowds to identify suspicious behaviour
- Rapid response teams for immediate incident management
- Liaison with venue security to ensure a unified approach to safety
- Victim engagement officers available for immediate support
Data-Led Policing to Target Predatory Behaviour
A defining aspect of this initiative is its reliance on data-driven policing. The Met has adopted predictive technologies to identify individuals who pose a high risk of committing violent offences. Using behavioural analytics and incident data, officers are now better equipped to anticipate and prevent crime. Crimes such as stalking, groping, and upskirting, offences that have sadly become more common at crowded events.
First Impact: The Beyoncé Concerts
The Beyoncé concerts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were the first to see this new initiative in action. These shows acted as a real-world test case, with visible security enhancements and a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behaviour. Several offenders were identified and removed from the venue for stalking and upskirting. The success of these operations has validated the Met’s approach, encouraging further roll-out at upcoming events including those headlined by Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Foo Fighters to help increase women and girls safety.
Strategic Partnerships with Event Organisers
A critical factor in this initiative’s success is the seamless collaboration between law enforcement and concert promoters. Venue security teams have received additional training in recognising predatory behaviours and de-escalating situations before they escalate. Clear communication channels between police officers and on-site security ensure coordinated responses to all incidents involving women and girls safety.
Responsibilities of Event Organisers
- Reinforce zero-tolerance policies on harassment
- Ensure female-focused safe spaces and support stations
- Provide clear signage on how to report incidents
- Train staff on trauma-informed responses
Empowering Women Through Visibility and Support
Visibility is crucial. Officers are stationed near entrances, toilets, and exits, areas where women have historically felt most vulnerable. Additionally, female officers are placed in these areas to provide comfort and approachability. For those requiring assistance, discreet safe points with trained personnel are accessible throughout the venue grounds.
This campaign is not merely reactive; it is also preventive. Through public announcements, signage, and digital ticketing apps, women are encouraged to speak up early and seek assistance without hesitation.
Strong Leadership and Political Backing
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, the project’s lead, affirms the Met’s unwavering stance: “Every woman and girl has the right to feel safe… and the Met is determined to change that.” This message is echoed by Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kaya Comer-Schwartz, who described the initiative as “essential in making our capital a safer place.”
These high-level endorsements ensure the continuation of funding and the political will necessary to sustain and expand the program beyond summer 2025.
The Road Ahead: Towards a Standard for Safer Events Nationwide
This London-based initiative is already attracting attention from other UK cities. As large-scale events become more frequent post-pandemic, similar protective measures are likely to be adopted across Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Cardiff. London may well become the blueprint for how music events should be secured, with women’s safety placed front and centre. The rest of the country is watching with interest to see if this new initiative impacts women and girls safety at these events.
SafeKab and SafeWalk
Every woman deserves to feel safe when travelling, whether by foot or by taxi. In the Scottish Highlands, SafeKab is transforming how women move around, offering reliable, fixed-fare taxis with live tracking, panic buttons, and trusted local drivers. With safety built into every ride, SafeKab provides the reassurance that someone always knows where you are.
For those moments when you’re walking alone (anywhere in the UK) the free SafeWalk feature inside the SafeKab app acts as your digital companion. It lets friends or family track your journey in real time and alerts them if anything feels off. Whether it’s a late-night walk home or a solo run, SafeWalk puts control back in your hands.
If you’re ready to stop taking risks with your personal safety, it’s time to act. Download the SafeKab app today. Use it for safe rides across Inverness and the Highlands, and let SafeWalk guide you wherever you go. Your safety shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be the standard.
