A partnership between local McDonald’s franchisee Angus Fraser and Leicestershire Police has been recognised on the international stage for its work to reduce crime in and around Leicester City Centre.
The collaboration has been awarded the Global Prize for Problem Solving at the Goldstein International Problem-Solving Awards, which recognise innovative and effective approaches to crime prevention worldwide.
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
The initiative focused on making small but impactful environmental and operational changes around McDonald’s restaurants in the city centre to improve safety for the wider community. Measures included increased police foot patrols during peak times, a visible presence from St John’s Ambulance and Leicester Street Pastors, improved street lighting, and the introduction of the Walk Away campaign.
The Walk Away campaign is designed to help people recognise early signs of escalating situations and encourage safe ways to disengage. McDonald’s supported the campaign through visible interventions, including window posters, stickers on takeaway bags and branded crowd barriers outside restaurants.
The Market Street McDonald’s is located next to a designated “safe space,” offering first aid, free refreshments and a place of refuge for vulnerable individuals. This initiative was delivered in partnership with the Community Safety Partnership, Leicestershire Police and St John’s Ambulance.
As part of wider efforts to create safer environments, McDonald’s restaurants on Market Street and Eastgates also introduced additional targeted measures. These included playing calming classical music to help reduce tension and implementing menu board takeovers reminding customers that CCTV is in operation, reinforcing a sense of security.
Angus Fraser, who owns and operates six McDonald’s restaurants across Leicestershire, said he was proud of the partnership’s impact.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work that we have done with Leicestershire Police to help reduce crime in our city centre,” he said. “It is important to me that everyone in Leicester has an enjoyable experience on their nights out and gets back home safe. I’m pleased to see the results of our hard work, and I am honoured that McDonald’s has played its part.”
Chief Inspector Mark Brennan, who represented Leicestershire Police at the awards ceremony, said the recognition was a significant achievement.
“I am thrilled that our project was selected as the joint winner of the international award alongside the New Zealand entry, Reducing Disorder in Central Wellington,” he said. “Being recognised as international leaders in crime prevention and problem-solving is a fantastic achievement and a fitting recognition for the dedication, creativity and collaboration of the team and McDonald’s over the past three years.”
More information about the Walk Away campaign can be found at wewalkaway.uk.
