‘Everyone has a right to feel safe’ – North Wales Police issues statement on Sarah Everard disappearance

North Wales Police has reassured people it take reports of women being harassed seriously.

The statement has been made by the force’s Chief Constable Carl Foulkes in the wake of the disappearance of Sarah Everard in south London.

It was confirmed earlier on Friday that a body found in an area of woodland is that of the 33-year-old, who went missing whilst walking home last week.

A serving Metropolitan police officer is currently being held in custody on suspicion of her kidnap and murder.

Chief Constable Foulkes has this evening encouraged anyone who may have concerns over suspicious behaviour to report it to police in the knowledge it will be investigated.

Our sister site North.Wales has recently reported on a number of cases where women are said to have been followed in the Conwy county area, most recently in Old Colwyn Thursday evening.

The Chief Constable said such incidents are rare in the region but said dealing with them was one of the force’s main priority.

He said: “None of us can have failed to have been moved by the news this week of the disappearance of Sarah Everard a young woman who was making her way home on her own from a friend’s house in London. My heartfelt thoughts are with her family and loved ones.

“It has brought into sharp focus the fact that everyone, wherever they are, should be able to live, work and walk our streets without fear of harassment, abuse or violence.

“We absolutely want anyone to report any concerns about behaviour in complete confidence that the police will deal with that concern.

“Thankfully incidents like this are rare, particularly in north Wales, but this doesn’t mean that we won’t take reports of suspicious behaviour seriously.

“Tackling abuse and violence in all its forms is a priority for us. We are absolutely committed to doing all we can to prevent this and to prosecute those who commit or attempt to commit such offences.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe and we will do our utmost to make sure that this is the case.

“I would encourage anyone who has concerns about suspicious behaviour to call us on 101, or 999 if they feel in danger. If you have concerns that are not urgent then please use our online chat facilities.

“Your contact, information and call would help us target patrols to areas, it might provide another piece to an existing case, it will ultimately help us to keep your community safe.

“Please do not think that your call won’t be taken seriously I can assure you that it will.”