Commissioner invests £60,000 in new app to enhance personal safety

Hollie Guard has been developed by the Hollie Gazzard Trust, set up in memory of 20-year-old Hollie Gazzard who was murdered by her ex-partner in Gloucestershire in 2014 at her place of work.

The innovative app enables users to issue emergency alerts to designated contacts, plan and monitor their journeys, and offers support for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, stalking, or harassment.

In case of an emergency, users can quickly open the app, which then alerts their chosen contact, shares their live location, and begins recording. Lancashire has introduced the app after its successful rollout and proven track record in other force areas.

Thanks to the Commissioner’s investment, Lancashire Constabulary, in partnership with Safenet, Paladin and Victim Support, will proactively offer the enhanced version of the app, Hollie Guard Extra, to 1000 victims identified as needing additional safety support.

This means that any alerts are sent directly to a professional, police-approved monitoring centre, in addition to registered emergency contacts.

The investment into Hollie Guard builds on the Commissioner’s wider work to tackle violence against women and girls following the results from his Safety of Lancashire Women and Girls Survey last summer which showed that 93% of women change their daily behaviour to avoid danger.

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw said:

“Through my recent survey, women and girls in Lancashire made it clear they don’t always feel safe. The Hollie Guard App provides an additional layer of safety that can be added to any smartphone, and this funding will support some of the most vulnerable victims.

“All women and girls deserve to be safe and feel safe, and by funding safety schemes, challenging behaviours through campaigns like #GetTheMessage, and ensuring that we tackle offenders and deliver justice for victims, we can make a real positive difference.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a central commitment in my Police and Crime Plan. I will continue to work closely with Lancashire Police and the Chief Constable to ensure victims receive the strongest possible support and protection.”

Detective Inspector Shaun Hanna from the Vulnerability Governance Unit at Lancashire Constabulary added:

“Lancashire Constabulary Vulnerability Governance Unit welcomes the introduction of Hollie Guard as an additional tool to help safeguard vulnerable individuals across our communities. Protecting those at risk of domestic abuse, stalking, and harassment is a core priority for the force, and technology such as Hollie Guard can provide reassurance and enhanced safety options for those who need them most.

“Our partnership approach, supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner and specialist organisations including Safenet, Paladin, and Victim Support, ensures that individuals identified as requiring extra protection have access to tailored support and timely intervention. While no app can replace immediate police assistance in an emergency, Hollie Guard offers a valuable supplementary means of seeking help and enabling early safeguarding measures.

“The Vulnerability Governance Unit remains committed to strengthening our response to vulnerability, improving victim safeguarding, and supporting initiatives that help prevent harm and promote safety for women and girls across Lancashire.”

Further information about Hollie Guard and the link to download the app are available at hollieguard.com.