A SOUTHAMPTON councillor has welcomed news that police have vowed to keep the city safe as restrictions ease.

Cllr Satvir Kaur said that many people she speaks to around the city are "fearful" of becoming victims of crime.

She believes that wider programmes should also be introduced into the city to "target those that are causing the crime".

It comes as the night time economy is set to full re-open which will see an increase in the number of people visiting the many bars, clubs and restaurants Southampton has to offer.

In preparation for waves of people set to hit the streets, the force has come together a number of partners to work on improving measures to help people feel safer when they are out at night, with a focus on tackling violence against women and girls.

She said: “I really welcome the additional measures being put in place to keep us all, though particularly women and girls, safe.

"Many I speak to are fearful of becoming victims of crime when out and about.

“I do however feel this should go hand in hand with wider programmes, so that those that are causing the crime, rather than those being subjected to it, are the real targets for change.”

This week, officers said they dealt with an an "increase in calls" from both venues and households after England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

It comes after Hampshire Constabulary said they dealt with an an "increase in calls" from both venues and households after England lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

At the start of the week, police confirmed they dealt with 18 different football related incidents on Sunday, July 11.

One incident included a brawl that left a man with serious facial injuries in Southampton.

It was reported that a large group of people were fighting in Lower Banister Street last night following England's defeat to Italy.

A man in his 30’s was hit in the face with a glass. He sustained facial injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

A woman in her 20’s was also assaulted during the incident. She sustained minor injuries to her chest and arm.

Three men were arrested following the incident.

Hampshire Constabulary has announced a number of precautions they will be taking to help keep the city's streets safe from ext week.

Deputy District Commander, Chief Inspector Ricky Dhanda explained that they have been working with partners over many months to look at ways they can support people and in particular, make sure women and girls feel safer and confident they will be able to get home safely at the end of the night.

He added that it is important that people know who they can turn to for support in the event of something taking place that makes them feel unsafe, or experiences any form of criminal behaviour, such as sexual harassment or violence.

The city's street pastors are teaming up with Neighbourhood Policing teams and will be patrolling the city throughout the night offering practical help and support to anyone who needs it.

As well as this, door staff at venues across Southampton will be helping to spot signs of someone who is vulnerable, being abused, harassed, or needs help.

CI Dhanda said: "But you don’t have to wait for them to come to you – you can approach them for help and they will act quickly to give you the right support."

In addition, a majority of the venues will be operating the ‘Ask for Angela’ initiative.

If someone is making you feel threatened or uncomfortable, you can approach the bar or door staff and ask for ‘Angela’.

Staff will then discreetly offer to separate you from the person who is causing you distress and ensure that you are able to leave safely.

Venues operating this will display a sticker in their window or on the door to let you know.

“This has been a difficult and challenging year and we know many people are now looking forward to a night out with friends in the many venues Southampton has to offer, and we too are looking forward to seeing people out having fun," said CI Dhanda.

“Southampton is a diverse city with a thriving night time economy where everyone is welcome and entitled to have a safe and enjoyable night out.

“Violence, sexual violence and harassment will simply not be tolerated in our city and having a few drinks does not excuse criminal behaviour.

“Anyone who is seen to commit a crime can expect to be dealt with robustly."